Indicator Explainer
Serine
A non-essential amino acid in humans (synthesized by the body), Serine is present and functionally important in many proteins. With an alcohol group, serine is needed for the metabolism of fats, fatty acids, and cell membranes; muscle growth; and a healthy immune system. It also plays a major role in pyrimidine, purine, creatine, and porphyrin biosynthetic pathways. Serine is also found at the active site of the serine protease enzyme class that includes trypsin and chymotrypsin. (NCI04)
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C29613. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-20. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Serine (C29613)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C29613. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Impaired erythroid maturation in murine embryos upon loss of the preeclampsia-associated serine protease prostasin Prostasin loss impairs erythropoiesis. — PLoS One, 2026-10-16 (PMID 42886667; literature)
- Serine auxotrophy is a targetable vulnerability driven by PSAT1 suppression in AML. — Leukemia, 2026-10-23 (PMID 42919894; literature)
- Targeting Macrophage Glycolytic-Serine Metabolism and NF-κB Activation by Compound Xiancao Granule Confers Renoprotection in Diabetic Nephropathy. — J Ethnopharmacol, 2026-10-23 (PMID 42918465; literature)
- Multi-omics profiling of FFPE tissues identifies serine synthesis and impaired creatine metabolism as metabolic hallmarks of high-grade bladder cancer. — Urol Oncol, 2026-10-24 (PMID 42926156; literature)
- Serine protease inhibitor A3 is a soluble SIRPα ligand that suppresses inflammation and antitumor immunity. — Nat Immunol, 2026-10-22 (PMID 42918845; literature)