Volume 6, Issue 7 e70120
REVIEW
Open Access

Glutamine Metabolism: Molecular Regulation, Biological Functions, and Diseases

Mudasir A. Kumar

Mudasir A. Kumar

Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir, India

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Sana Khurshid Baba

Sana Khurshid Baba

Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir, India

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Inamu Rashid Khan

Inamu Rashid Khan

Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, India

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Mohd Shahnawaz Khan

Mohd Shahnawaz Khan

Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Fohad Mabood Husain

Fohad Mabood Husain

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Saheem Ahmad

Saheem Ahmad

Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail City, Saudi Arabia

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Mohammad Haris

Mohammad Haris

Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA

Laboratory Animal Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar

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Mayank Singh

Mayank Singh

Department of Medical Oncology (Lab.), Dr. BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India

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Ammira S. Al-Shabeeb Akil

Ammira S. Al-Shabeeb Akil

Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar

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Muzafar A. Macha

Corresponding Author

Muzafar A. Macha

Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir, India

Correspondence

Ajaz A. Bhat, Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.

Email: [email protected]

Muzafar A. Macha, Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Kashmir 192122, India.

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

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Ajaz A. Bhat

Corresponding Author

Ajaz A. Bhat

Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar

Correspondence

Ajaz A. Bhat, Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.

Email: [email protected]

Muzafar A. Macha, Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Kashmir 192122, India.

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

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First published: 25 June 2025
Citations: 1

Mudasir A. Kumar, Sana Khurshid Baba and Inamu Rashid Khan contributed equally to this work.

Funding: This study was supported by the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (Grant number: D.O. NO.BT/HRD/35/02/2006) from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi; Core Research Grant (CRG/2021/003805) from Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), formally called Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, New Delhi; Research Grant (ID No. 2022–16465) from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India; Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) (TECH-21013/20/2024-CCRUM-HQ), Government of India; and J&K Science Technology and Innovation Council, Department of Science and Technology (DST) (JKST&IC/SRE/936-40), Government of J&K to Muzafar A. Macha. Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) (SR/PURSE/2022/121) grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi to the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora. Sidra Medicine Precision Program provides research funding to Ajaz A. Bhat (SDR400190) and Ammira S. Al-Shabeeb Akil (SDR400149).

ABSTRACT

Glutaminolysis, the metabolic process of converting glutamine into key intermediates, plays an essential role in cellular energy production, signaling, biosynthesis, and redox balance. Deregulation of glutamine metabolism significantly influences various pathological conditions, including cancers and metabolic and neurological diseases. Emerging evidence shows that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and oncogenic alterations in glutamine transporters and enzymes enhance glutamine's role as an alternative energy source, supporting cell survival and proliferation under nutrient and oxygen deprivation conditions. To combat the pathogenic effects of altered glutamine metabolism, researchers are developing targeted inhibitors of key enzymes and transporters involved in glutaminolysis. By interfering with the mechanisms that support the growth of cancer cells, these inhibitors may be able to stop the growth of tumors and treat metabolic and neurological conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of existing inhibitors and ongoing clinical trials targeting glutamine metabolism, focusing on its potential as a cancer therapeutic strategy. Additionally, the role of lncRNAs and circRNAs in regulating glutamine metabolism is explored, revealing novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in cancer and other diseases.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Not appliable.

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