Serine and glycine metabolism in cancer

Trends Biochem Sci. 2014 Apr;39(4):191-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2014.02.004. Epub 2014 Mar 20.

Abstract

Serine and glycine are biosynthetically linked, and together provide the essential precursors for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that are crucial to cancer cell growth. Moreover, serine/glycine biosynthesis also affects cellular antioxidative capacity, thus supporting tumour homeostasis. A crucial contribution of serine/glycine to cellular metabolism is through the glycine cleavage system, which refuels one-carbon metabolism; a complex cyclic metabolic network based on chemical reactions of folate compounds. The importance of serine/glycine metabolism is further highlighted by genetic and functional evidence indicating that hyperactivation of the serine/glycine biosynthetic pathway drives oncogenesis. Recent developments in our understanding of these pathways provide novel translational opportunities for drug development, dietary intervention, and biomarker identification of human cancers.

Keywords: cancer metabolism; folate; glycine; one-carbon metabolism; serine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Proliferation
  • Glycine / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Serine / metabolism*

Substances

  • Serine
  • Glycine