Glutamine Metabolism: Molecular Regulation, Biological Functions, and Diseases

Mudasir A. Kumar; Sana Khurshid Baba; Inamu Rashid Khan; Mohd Shahnawaz Khan; Fohad Mabood Husain; Saheem Ahmad; Mohammad Haris; Mayank Singh; Ammira S. Al‐Shabeeb Akil; Muzafar A. Macha; Ajaz A. Bhat

doi:10.1002/mco2.70120

journal article Open Access Jun 25, 2025

Glutamine Metabolism: Molecular Regulation, Biological Functions, and Diseases

Mudasir A. Kumar Sana Khurshid Baba Inamu Rashid Khan Mohd Shahnawaz Khan Fohad Mabood Husain

Saheem Ahmad Mohammad Haris

Mayank Singh Ammira S. Al‐Shabeeb Akil Muzafar A. Macha

Ajaz A. Bhat

MedComm Vol. 6 No. 7 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/mco2.70120

Abstract

ABSTRACTGlutaminolysis, 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.

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Published: Jun 25, 2025
Vol/Issue: 6(7)
License: View

Authors

M

Mudasir A. Kumar

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

S

Sana Khurshid Baba

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

I

Inamu Rashid Khan

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

M

Mohd Shahnawaz Khan

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

F

Fohad Mabood Husain

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

S

Saheem Ahmad

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

M

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

M

Mayank Singh

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

A

Ammira S. Al‐Shabeeb Akil

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

M

Muzafar A. Macha

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

A

Ajaz A. Bhat

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

Funding

Indian Council of Medical Research Award: IDNo.2022‐16465

Cite This Article

Mudasir A. Kumar, Sana Khurshid Baba, Inamu Rashid Khan, et al. (2025). Glutamine Metabolism: Molecular Regulation, Biological Functions, and Diseases. MedComm, 6(7). https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70120

Glutamine Metabolism: Molecular Regulation, Biological Functions, and Diseases

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