Clin Nutr Res.  2018 Jul;7(3):153-160. 10.7762/cnr.2018.7.3.153.

Links between Serine Biosynthesis Pathway and Epigenetics in Cancer Metabolism

• Kim H
• Park YJ

• KMID: 2417711
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7762/cnr.2018.7.3.153

Abstract

Cancer metabolism is considered as one of major cancer hallmarks. It is important to understand cancer-specific metabolic changes and its impact on cancer biology to identify therapeutic potentials. Among cancer-specific metabolic changes, a role of serine metabolism has been discovered in various cancer types. Upregulation of serine synthesis pathway (SSP) supports cell proliferation and metastasis. The change of serine metabolism is, in part, mediated by epigenetic modifiers, such as Euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 and Lysine Demethylase 4C. On the other hand, SSP also influences epigenetic landscape such as methylation status of nucleic acids and histone proteins via affecting S-adenosyl methionine production. In the review, we highlight recent evidences on interactions between SSP and epigenetic regulation in cancer. It may provide an insight on roles and regulation of SSP in cancer metabolism and the potential of serine metabolism for cancer therapy.

Keyword

Serine; Epigenetics; Cancer, Metabolism; Biosynthesis

MeSH Terms

Biology
Cell Proliferation
Epigenomics*
Hand
Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
Histones
Lysine
Metabolism*
Methionine
Methylation
Neoplasm Metastasis
Nucleic Acids
Serine*
Up-Regulation
Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
Histones
Lysine
Methionine
Nucleic Acids
Serine

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Serine-glycine biosynthesis pathway. Serine is biosynthesized from 3-PG by PHGDH, PSAT1, and PSPH. Biosynthesized serine can be converted into glycine by SHMT1/2. This pathway provides precursors for TCA cycle and antioxidant and purine biosynthesis. 3-PG, 3-phosphoglycerate; PHGDH, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase; PSAT, phosphoserine aminotransferase; PSPH, phosphoserine phosphatase; SHMT, serine hydroxymethyltransferase; TCA, tricarboxylic acid; THF, tetrahydrofolate; mTHF, methyl-THF.

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