Glutamate metabolic pathway

The glutamate metabolic pathway comprises the interconnected series of biochemical reactions converting glutamate to and from other metabolites, including glutamine, α-ketoglutarate, and a range of amino acids, supporting fundamental cellular processes such as amino acid turnover, redox control, neurotransmission, and energy production. Key enzymes include glutaminase (GLS), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH/GLUD1), and various aminotransferases. In cancer and other diseases, “glutamate metabolism” is dysregulated and is exploited by targeting specific enzymes (e.g., GLS) or transporters (e.g., SLC1A5/ASCT2, SLC7A5/LAT1, SLC7A11) as potential therapeutic interventions. However, the pathway itself is not a single target; rather, its constituent molecules are the actionable nodes.

Other names

Glutamate metabolismGlutamate catabolismGlutamate pathwayGlutamate metabolic processGlutamate cycle

Enzyme inhibition (e.g., glutaminase, aminotransferases) Transporter inhibition (e.g., SLC1A5 (ASCT2), SLC7A5, SLC7A11) Induction of oxidative/redox stress by blocking glutathione synthesis Disruption of anaplerosis (TCA cycle replenishment)