Abstract: In some aspects, methods of inhibiting survival or proliferation of a tumor cell are provided, the methods comprising inhibiting the glycine cleavage system (GCS) of the tumor cell. In some aspects, methods of treating a subject in need of treatment for a tumor, the method comprising inhibiting the GCS in the tumor. In some embodiments, the methods comprise contacting a tumor cell or tumor with a GCS inhibitor. In some embodiments, the tumor cell or tumor has elevated expression of serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SH1VIT2). In some aspects, methods of identifying a tumor cell or tumor that is sensitive to inhibiting the GCS are provided, the methods comprising determining whether the tumor cell or tumor overexpresses SHMT2. In some aspects, methods of identifying a candidate anti-cancer agent are provided, the methods comprising identifying or modifying a GCS inhibitor.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods of inhibiting survival or proliferation of a tumor cell are provided, the methods comprising inhibiting the glycine cleavage system (GCS) of the tumor cell. In some aspects, methods of treating a subject in need of treatment for a tumor, the method comprising inhibiting the GCS in the tumor. In some embodiments, the methods comprise contacting a tumor cell or tumor with a GCS inhibitor. In some embodiments, the tumor cell or tumor has elevated expression of serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SH1VIT2). In some aspects, methods of identifying a tumor cell or tumor that is sensitive to inhibiting the GCS are provided, the methods comprising determining whether the tumor cell or tumor overexpresses SHMT2. In some aspects, methods of identifying a candidate anti-cancer agent are provided, the methods comprising identifying or modifying a GCS inhibitor.

Abstract: In some aspects, compositions and methods useful for classifying tumor cells, tumor cell lines, or tumors according to predicted sensitivity to glucose restriction are provided. In some aspects, compositions and methods useful for classifying tumor cells, tumor cell lines, or tumors according to predicted sensitivity to OXPHOS inhibitors are provided. In some aspects, compositions and methods useful for classifying tumor cells, tumor cell lines, or tumors according to predicted sensitivity to biguanides are provided. In some aspects, methods of identifying subjects with cancer who are candidates for treatment with an OXPHOS inhibitor are provided. In some aspects, methods of identifying subjects with cancer who are candidates for treatment with a biguanide are provided. In some aspects, methods of treating subjects with cancers that are sensitive to glucose restriction are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, compositions and methods useful for classifying tumor cells, tumor cell lines, or tumors according to predicted sensitivity to 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) are provided. In some aspects, methods of identifying subjects with cancer who are candidates for treatment with 3-BrPA are provided. In some aspects, compositions useful for subjects with cancers that express increased levels of MCT1 are provided. In some aspects, methods of treating subjects with cancers that express increased levels of MCT1 are provided. In some aspects, methods of identifying anti-tumor agents the efficacy of which is at least in part dependent on transporter-mediated uptake are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention provides compounds and methods of use for treating tumors. In some aspects, the methods comprise administering a serine biosynthesis pathway inhibitor to a subject, wherein the subject has a tumor that overexpresses PHGDH In some embodiments, the tumor is an ER negative breast cancer. In some aspects, the invention provides an in vivo RNAi-based negative selection screen of use to identify drug targets for treatment of tumors.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that inhibit or stimulate the autophagy pathway are described. Devices for detecting the expression of autophagy-related genes and kits for assaying the expression of autophagy-related genes are also described. Also described are methods for identifying individuals susceptible to or afflicted with a disease state associated with an autophagy pathway defect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel telomere associated RNA (hTERC-2) that mediates the DNA repair function of telomerase.