Glutamine Metabolism: Role in Cancer Cell Proliferation and Survival

Glutamine is crucial for cancer cell proliferation and survival because it fuels the TCA cycle, provides building blocks for macromolecules, and helps maintain redox balance by supporting antioxidant pathways like glutathione production. Cancer cells often become dependent on glutamine, a phenomenon known as glutaminolysis, and use it to produce energy and essential molecules for rapid growth. This metabolic addiction makes glutamine metabolism a significant target for cancer therapies. In recent years, some therapeutic drugs targeting glutamine metabolism to treat cancer have been developed. However, such drugs are not sufficiently effective. Targeting metabolic reprogramming may be an effective strategy to enhance cancer treatment efficacy. Glutamine serves as a vital nutrient for cancer cells. Inhibiting glutamine metabolism has shown promise in preventing tumor growth both in vivo and in vitro through various mechanisms.