Cancer cells have a heightened demand for amino acids to sustain their accelerated growth and division. Amino acids are not only building blocks for proteins but also serve as precursors for the synthesis of nucleotides, lipids, and other essential molecules. Specific amino acids like serine, glycine, and aspartate are critical for the one-carbon metabolism pathway, which is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. Cancer cells often upregulate transporters and enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism to meet these increased demands.
