A recent new study from the researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) along with other collaborating institutions have worked on new molecules for treatment of cancers. The researchers have looked into serine and its requirement in cancer formation and sustainment.

 

The researchers in the search of compounds, which inhibited the enzyme 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, screened a huge library of compounds from different sources. This enzyme is responsible for carrying out the first step in biosynthesis of serine. Serine is known to be a vital ingredient for nucleotide, lipid, and protein biosynthesis. Cancer cells are also known to proliferate through aerobic glycolysis. Studies have also shown the increase of 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. Inhibition of this enzyme can lead to inhibition of cancer growth.

 

Compounds from a small molecule library was tested on inhibition of 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase in vitro. Out of the many tested compounds, around 408 compounds were narrowed down based on its anti-proliferative activities. From these seven molecules showed a potential of serine inhibition and were tested on melanoma and breast cancer cell lines.

 

The compounds did not show inhibition to cancer cells that did not overexpress 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. However, in lack of serine the compounds inhibited tumor growth. More refined and optimized tests are needed to narrow down to a specific molecule, which is effective in reduction of tumor growth.