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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
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Methionine Functionalized Biocompatible Block Copolymers for Targeted Plasmid DNA Delivery
Published on: August 6, 2019
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Exploiting methionine restriction for cancer treatment
Sushma Chaturvedi1, Robert M Hoffman2, Joseph R Bertino1
1Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, USA.
Biochemical Pharmacology
|May 8, 2018
Summary
Methionine restriction shows promise for cancer treatment by targeting tumors that depend on external methionine for survival. This dietary or enzymatic approach, alone or with chemotherapy, offers a novel antitumor strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Cancer Metabolism
Background:
- Normal cells produce methionine, but many cancers require external sources.
- Methionine dependence is a vulnerability in cancer cells.
- Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) deficiency is linked to methionine dependence, but other causes exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on methionine restriction as a cancer treatment.
- To explore the basis of methionine dependence in tumors.
- To evaluate methionine restriction combined with other therapies.
Main Methods:
- Dietary methionine restriction in preclinical models.
- Enzyme depletion strategies targeting methionine metabolism.
- Combination therapy with chemotherapeutics.
- Review of existing literature on cancer methionine dependence.
Main Results:
- Methionine restriction, via diet or enzyme depletion, demonstrates antitumor effects.
- Combining methionine restriction with chemotherapy enhances efficacy.
- Understanding the mechanisms of methionine dependence is crucial for treatment development.
Conclusions:
- Methionine restriction is a viable and promising strategy for treating specific cancers.
- Targeting cancer's methionine dependency offers a novel therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into methionine metabolism in cancer is warranted.
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