What Role Does Glutamine Play in Cancer Metabolism?
Glutamine is another critical nutrient for cancer cells. Many tumors exhibit increased uptake and utilization of glutamine, which serves as a carbon and nitrogen source for various biosynthetic processes. Glutamine metabolism supports the production of nucleotides, amino acids, and other molecules essential for cell growth. It also contributes to maintaining redox balance by generating glutathione, a key antioxidant.
