PHGDH: a novel therapeutic target in cancer

Serine is a key contributor to the generation of one-carbon units for DNA synthesis during cellular proliferation. In addition, it plays a crucial role in the production of antioxidants that prevent abnormal proliferation and stress in cancer cells. In recent studies, the relationship between cancer metabolism and the serine biosynthesis pathway has been highlighted. In this context, 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is notable as a key enzyme that functions as the primary rate-limiting enzyme in the serine biosynthesis pathway, facilitating the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to 3-phosphohydroxypyruvate. Elevated PHGDH activity in diverse cancer cells is mediated through genetic amplification, posttranslational modification, increased transcription, and allosteric regulation. Ultimately, these characteristics allow PHGDH to not only influence the growth and progression of cancer but also play an important role in metastasis and drug resistance. Consequently, PHGDH has emerged as a crucial focal point in cancer research. In this review, the structural aspects of PHGDH and its involvement in one-carbon metabolism are investigated, and PHGDH is proposed as a potential therapeutic target in diverse cancers. By elucidating how PHGDH expression promotes cancer growth, the goal of this review is to provide insight into innovative treatment strategies. This paper aims to reveal how PHGDH inhibitors can overcome resistance mechanisms, contributing to the development of effective cancer treatments. Serine is important in DNA copying and cancer cell growth as it helps produce antioxidants and other substances. This detailed review explores the role of 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, an enzyme, in cancer, particularly its role in serine creation and its potential as a treatment target. The review combines results from different studies, using various experimental methods to understand how PHGDH affects cancer cell behavior and treatment responses. Researchers suggest that targeting PHGDH could be a promising strategy for cancer treatment, potentially improving outcomes for patients with tumors that overproduce PHGDH. The authors call for more research to fully understand PHGDH’s role in cancer and to develop effective inhibitors that could be used in clinical settings. This work advances our understanding of cancer metabolism and opens new possibilities for treatment. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.