The Multifaceted Roles of Proline in Cell Behavior
Eduardo J Patriarca1, Federica Cermola1, Cristina D'Aniello1
1Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|August 30, 2021
Summary
Proline, a cyclic imino acid, plays diverse roles in cell biology, acting as a precursor, energy source, antistress molecule, and signaling modulator. Its metabolism impacts tissue regeneration and diseases like fibrosis and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proline is a unique cyclic imino acid with diverse biological functions.
- Its roles extend from structural protein synthesis to cellular stress response and signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the multifaceted roles of proline in cell biology.
- To elucidate proline's impact on both beneficial processes like tissue regeneration and pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of proline's functions in various biological contexts.
- Analysis of proline's involvement in metabolic pathways, cell signaling, and epigenetic modifications.
Main Results:
- Proline serves as a precursor for collagens, antimicrobial peptides, and other vital proteins.
- It functions as an energy source for pathogens and cancer cells, an antistress molecule, and a neural metabotoxin.
- Proline influences cell signaling, epigenetic modifications, proliferation, and cell morphology/migration.
Conclusions:
- Proline metabolism is crucial for tissue regeneration but also implicated in the progression of fibrosis and metastatic cancer.
- Understanding proline's complex roles is vital for developing therapeutic strategies against related diseases.
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