PHGDH in breast cancer (IMAGE) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Caption When fast-growing breast cancer cells run out of glutamine, they turn to an alternative supply line. PHGDH (above, in green) is a key enzyme in that metabolic pathway. CSHL Assistant Professor Michael Lukey has found that when glutamine and PHGDH are simultaneously depleted in breast cancer cells, it stunts their growth. Credit Lukey lab/CSHL Usage Restrictions Attribution required License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.