Press Release

Cleanascite™ Use Helps Identity a Distinct Cancer-cell Lipid Metabolism Archetype

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ, July 25, 2025 — In this study, researchers have uncovered critical mechanisms driving immune suppression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting the role of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in promoting protumor macrophage polarization. Central to the study's methodology was the use of Cleanascite™, a lipid-binding reagent from Biotech Support Group, which enabled the researchers to efficiently isolate and study lipid-influences from tumor interstitial fluid (TIF).

The study, entitled “ Metabolism archetype cancer cells induce protumor TREM2+ macrophages via oxLDL mediated metabolic interplay in hepatocellular carcinoma ” and conducted by an international team led by Fudan University, identified a distinct "metabolism archetype" of cancer cells characterized by high lipid metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis. These cancer cells generate oxLDL, which in turn polarizes TREM2+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) via the TREM2–SYK–CEBPα signaling axis. This interplay results in immune suppression and resistance to immunotherapy in both human and mouse models of HCC.

Cancer cells often display a marked upregulation in lipid metabolism, a mechanism that not only promotes their proliferation but also manipulates stromal cells, like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), contributing to an immuno suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To interrogate the lipidomic environment of the TME, the researchers utilized Cleanascite™ to selectively remove lipids and confirm the lipid-dependence of TREM2+ TAM polarization. HCC-derived TIF potently induced the expression of TREM2 and SPP1 in macrophages, which was attributed to lipids…(Fig.). Consequently, Cleanascite™ enabled a more precise functional dependency measurement, strengthening the study’s mechanistic insights.

“ It is very rewarding to see how this study not only sheds light on the immunometabolic dynamics of hepatocellular carcinoma, but potentially towards novel therapeutic approaches that target metabolic crosstalk between cancer cells and immune cells. Importantly, the study underscores the growing importance of Cleanascite™ in advancing cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment research.,” stated Dr. Swapan Roy, President and Founder of Biotech Support Group. “Unlike traditional solvent-based methods, Cleanascite™ provides an aqueous, cell-compatible reagent, preserving cellular function and phenotypic integrity after removal of lipids. With such compatibility in live cell models, Cleanascite™ enables researchers to confidently dissect the complex roles of lipid metabolism in disease mechanisms.”

For additional product details, visit:
Cleanascite™ Lipid Removal Reagent

About Biotech Support Group LLC
Biotech Support Group develops innovative sample preparation technologies that address the emerging needs of proteomics, biomarker discovery, and personalized medicine. Flagship products include Cleanascite™ for lipid removal, AlbuVoid™ and AlbuSorb™ PLUS for serum protein depletion, HemogloBind™ and HemoVoid™ for hemoglobin removal, and NRicher™ for low abundance, family specific, and targeted proteome enrichment . These products support translational research by simplifying workflows and improving sample quality for downstream analysis.

For Business Development Inquiries:
Matthew Kuruc
Phone: 732-274-2866
Email: mkuruc@biotechsupportgroup.com

Keywords: Cleanascite™, lipid depletion, tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages, TREM2+TAM polarization, tumor interstitial fluid, hepatocellular carcinoma, Biotech Support Group