2-methylglutamate

2-methylglutamate (2MeGlu) is a synthetic small molecule glutamate analog being investigated for its potential therapeutic application in glioblastoma (GBM). It functions by stereoselectively modulating glutamate transport and glutamine metabolism, thereby disrupting the glutamatergic signaling and metabolic pathways that facilitate tumor proliferation and integration into neural circuits. Preclinical research conducted at Stanford University has demonstrated that daily intraperitoneal administration of racemic 2MeGlu significantly extends survival and reduces tumor burden in orthotopic mouse models of human GBM, including patient-derived xenografts (U251 and GBM39). By targeting the glutamate-glutamine cycle, 2MeGlu aims to address the excitotoxic and metabolic dependencies of high-grade gliomas, potentially offering a new therapeutic strategy for glutamate-dependent tumor progression.

Other names

2-methylglutamic acid2-methyl-DL-glutamic acid