serine

Serine is a non-essential amino acid that exists in two forms, L-serine and D-serine. L-serine is naturally present in the diet (found in foods like meat, dairy, soy products, sweet potatoes, eggs, and some seaweed) and is synthesized from glycine or threonine[1][3][6][8]. It plays critical roles in protein synthesis; biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines, sphingolipids and phospholipids; neurotransmission; and as a precursor for other amino acids[6][8]. The hydroxyl side chain of serine contributes to protein polarity and serves as a site for phosphorylation to regulate protein function[6]. D-serine acts as an endogenous neuromodulator in the brain. It functions primarily as a co-agonist at NMDA-type glutamate receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors), modulating synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission. This mechanism has been investigated for potential therapeutic effects on schizophrenia (as adjunctive therapy), cognitive decline associated with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), diabetic neuropathy, hyperhomocysteinemia, primary disorders of serine metabolism (such as 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency), central nervous system injury, depression, insomnia and other neuropsychiatric conditions[1][5][6][7][8]. Serine supplementation is available both individually or within amino acid mixtures used clinically for parenteral nutrition. Some intravenous nutrition products containing serine are FDA-approved.

Other names

L-serineD-serinea-amino-b-hydroxy-propionic acid