L-serine: a neglected amino acid with a potential therapeutic role in diabetes

Abstract

L-serine is classified as a non-essential amino acid; however, L-serine is indispensable having a central role in a broad range of cellular processes. Growing evidence suggests a role for L-serine in the development of diabetes mellitus and its related complications, with L-serine being positively correlated to insulin secretion and sensitivity. L-serine metabolism is altered in type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, and L-serine supplementations improve glucose homeostasis and mitochondrial function, and reduce neuronal death. Additionally, L-serine lowers the incidence of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice. Dietary supplementations of L-serine are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Therefore, we believe that L-serine should be considered as an emerging therapeutic option in diabetes, although work remains in order to fully understand the role of L-serine in diabetes.

Keywords: Deoxysphingolipids; L-serine; diabetes-related complications; type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes.

Figure 1

L‐serine metabolism and activities. The pathways for the creation of L‐serine are shown with de novo synthesis by phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH), phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT), and phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP). Other sources of L‐serine are through diet or from glycine or by the turnover of proteins and phospholipids. L‐serine has various biological effects, mentioned here are the ones with relation to diabetes. NOD, non‐obese diabetic.