Table 5 Involvement of ELOVL family members in cancer progression and tumor biology

ELOVL1

Implicated in breast cancer

Promotes cancer cell proliferation and migration through alterations in lipid metabolism, affecting membrane lipid composition and pro-tumorigenic lipid mediator production

Zhang et al. [69]

ELOVL2

Linked to colorectal and prostate cancer

Influences cancer cell proliferation and migration by modulating membrane lipid composition and regulating signaling pathways involved in cancer progression

Hu et al. [17], Monirujjaman et al. [38]

ELOVL3

Implicated in prostate cancer

Promotes cancer cell migration and invasion by epigenetically modulating ELOVL3 transcription

Yang et al. [67]

ELOVL4

Implicated in gastric and breast cancer

Promotes the synthesis of pro-angiogenic lipids, supporting tumor vascularization and growth; repression by MYCN associated with good prognosis in glioblastoma patients

Agostini & Melino [1], Yang et al. [66] and Rugolo et al. [51]

ELOVL5

Involved in renal and breast cancer

Contributes to cancer cell proliferation and migration by regulating the synthesis of VLCFAs involved in cancer cell membrane dynamics; down-regulation associated with increased tumor growth and metastasis

Kieu et al. [23]

ELOVL6

Implicated in colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma

Promotes lipogenesis and facilitates cancer cell adaptation to nutrient availability; knockdown reduces cell proliferation and AKT activation, as well as sensitivity to fatty acids

Su et al. [58], Tian, Li, & Ge [61]

ELOVL7

Crucial in prostate cancer

Involved in prostate cancer growth and survival through the metabolism of SVLFAs and their derivatives

Tamura et al. [59]