The regulation of amino acid metabolism in tumor cell death: from the perspective of physiological functions

Amino acids (AAs) are crucial molecules for the synthesis of mammalian proteins as well as a source of energy and redox equilibrium maintenance. The development of tumors also requires AAs as nutrients. Increased AAs metabolism is frequently seen in tumor cells to produce enough biomass, energy, and reduction agents. However, increased AA demand may result in auxotrophy in some cancer cells, highlighting the vulnerabilities of cancers and exposing the AA metabolism as a potential target for cancer therapy. The dynamic balance of cell survival and death is required for cellular homeostasis, growth, and development. Malignant cells manage to avoid cell death through a range of mechanisms, such as developing an addiction to amino acids through metabolic adaptation. In order to offer some guidance for AA-targeted cancer therapy, we have outlined the function of AA metabolism in tumor progression, the modalities of cell death, and the regulation of AA metabolism on tumor cell death in this review.