Alterations in lipid- and cholesterol-associated pathways are widely described in tumor cells. Recent evidences suggest that the Stearoyl CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), the enzyme that produces Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, plays a key role in several solid cancers. Based on previous results obtained in our laboratory that point to SCD1 as an important factor for lung cancer stem cells, we aim at deepening the role of SCD1 and cholesterol metabolism in lung cancer stem cells. This study will assess whether blockade of SCD1 or other enzymes in lipid metabolism increases immunogenicity of the cells by inducing changes in expression of proteins involved in immunological pathways. The project will provide mechanistic insights onto the role of SCD1 in lung cancer initiating cells immune avoidance and will demonstrate if lipid metabolism can be considered as a target to treat lung cancer in combination with immunotherapies.
