Why is Glutaminase Important in Cancer Metabolism?
Cancer cells often exhibit altered metabolism, known as the "Warburg effect," which allows them to grow and divide rapidly. Glutamine is a key nutrient for these cells as it contributes to the synthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, and other molecules vital for cell proliferation. Glutaminase facilitates the conversion of glutamine to glutamate, which is then used in various anabolic processes. Therefore, targeting glutaminase can potentially starve cancer cells of the nutrients they need.
