Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is a key metabolic enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the serine biosynthesis pathway, converting 3-phosphoglycerate to 3-phosphohydroxypyruvate. This pathway is critical for cellular homeostasis, providing serine and its derivatives (e.g., glycine, one-carbon units) essential for nucleotide synthesis, redox balance, and methylation processes. PHGDH is particularly vital in rapidly proliferating cells, including cancer cells, where serine demand is elevated. Its overexpression has been linked to various cancers, such as breast cancer, melanoma, and glioblastoma, making it a potential therapeutic target.
PHGDH antibodies are indispensable tools for studying the enzyme's expression, localization, and function. They enable detection and quantification of PHGDH in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence. Researchers use these antibodies to explore PHGDH's role in tumor metabolism, drug resistance, and metabolic reprogramming. Additionally, they aid in validating PHGDH inhibition strategies in preclinical models, supporting the development of small-molecule inhibitors or genetic knockdown approaches.
Beyond cancer, PHGDH antibodies contribute to understanding neurological disorders, as serine deficiency caused by PHGDH mutations is associated with severe neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Overall, PHGDH antibodies bridge basic research and clinical applications, offering insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.