Targeting SHMTs and MTHFDs in cancer: attractive opportunity for anti-tumor strategy

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Metabolic pathways

Background:

• One-carbon metabolism is essential for synthesizing purines and thymidine, vital for DNA synthesis.
• Dysregulation of one-carbon metabolism is implicated in various cancers due to its roles in nucleotide production, epigenetics, and redox balance.
• Key enzymes in this pathway, serine hydroxymethyltransferases (SHMTs) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenases (MTHFDs), are increasingly recognized for their impact on tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical roles of SHMTs and MTHFDs in cancer initiation and progression.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these one-carbon metabolic enzymes in anti-cancer strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the involvement of SHMTs and MTHFDs in cancer.
• Analysis of existing and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting one-carbon metabolism.

Main Results:

• SHMTs and MTHFDs play significant roles in regulating tumor growth and development.
• Inhibitors targeting MTHFDs and SHMTs have demonstrated potential in reducing tumor burden and proliferation in preclinical studies.

Conclusions:

• Targeting one-carbon metabolic enzymes represents a promising avenue for novel anti-cancer therapies.
• Further research into SHMTs and MTHFDs could lead to more effective cancer treatments.