Glutaminolysis as a target for cancer therapy

Oncogene. 2016 Jul 14;35(28):3619-25. doi: 10.1038/onc.2015.447. Epub 2015 Nov 23.

Abstract

Cancer cells display an altered metabolic circuitry that is directly regulated by oncogenic mutations and loss of tumor suppressors. Mounting evidence indicates that altered glutamine metabolism in cancer cells has critical roles in supporting macromolecule biosynthesis, regulating signaling pathways, and maintaining redox homeostasis, all of which contribute to cancer cell proliferation and survival. Thus, intervention in these metabolic processes could provide novel approaches to improve cancer treatment. This review summarizes current findings on the role of glutaminolytic enzymes in human cancers and provides an update on the development of small molecule inhibitors to target glutaminolysis for cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Glutamine / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / drug effects*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry
  • Small Molecule Libraries / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Glutamine