PHGDH

PHGDH, or phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, is also known as NLS, PDG, PGD, NLS1, PGAD, PGDH, SERA, and 3PGDH. PHGDH is a key enzyme in the serine synthesis pathway, responsible for converting the glycolytic intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG) into 3-phosphohydroxypropanate (3-PHP), which then participates in the synthesis of L-serine. PHGDH requires NAD/NADH as cofactors and forms an active tetramer. PHGDH is the only rate-limiting enzyme in the serine biosynthesis pathway, and its activity is crucial for maintaining intracellular serine levels. Serine is a precursor for the synthesis of D-serine and other amino acids, which are essential for cell growth and differentiation. Abnormal expression of PHGDH is associated with various diseases, including congenital microcephaly and psychomotor retardation. In tumor cells, high expression of PHGDH is linked to enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of cancer cells.