Amino Acid Metabolism and Cancer: The Role of Serine, Glycine, and Glutamine in Tumor Growth

, , , , , , , Published: May 24, 2025 | 80 55 DOI: https://doi.org/ Pages: - Downloads Abstract Cancer cells undergo profound metabolic reprogramming to meet the demands of rapid proliferation, survival under stress, and evasion of immune surveillance. Among these metabolic alterations, amino acid metabolism particularly that of serine, glycine, and glutamine plays a central role in supporting tumor growth and progression. Serine and glycine are pivotal contributors to one-carbon metabolism, nucleotide biosynthesis, and redox balance, while glutamine serves as a critical nitrogen and carbon donor fueling the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and biosynthetic pathways. The enzymes involved in the synthesis and utilization of these amino acids, such as PHGDH, SHMT2, and GLS, are frequently upregulated in various cancers, highlighting their potential as metabolic vulnerabilities. This review explores the multifaceted roles of serine, glycine, and glutamine in cancer metabolism, discusses the regulatory mechanisms underlying their metabolic reprogramming, and evaluates current therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways. Understanding the complex interplay between amino acid metabolism and tumor biology may offer novel insights into cancer treatment and precision oncology.