Dual role of N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate metabolism in cancer monitor and therapy.

We uncovered the neurotransmitter N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) as a reservoir providing glutamate to promote cancer growth, and demonstrated that inhibition of NAAG hydrolysis by targeting glutamate carboxypeptidase II is a viable strategy for cancer therapy. Our study also suggests that NAAG concentration in plasma could be a non-invasive measurement to monitor cancer progression.