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Figure 2. Context-specific functions of ADSL in normal and cancer cells. ADSL maintains purine nucleotide homeostasis in normal cells and thereby supports DNA replication, RNA transcription, and cellular energy balance. In cancer, however, increased ADSL activity may promote anabolic growth, metabolic adaptation, and tumor progression by altering the handling of intermediates such as SAICAR and fumarate. This context dependency highlights the dual role of ADSL as both a physiological metabolic enzyme and a potential driver of malignant phenotypes. ADSL: Adenylosuccinate lyase; SAICAR: succinylaminoimidazole carboxamide ribotide; AICAR: aminoimidazole carboxamide ribotide; AMP: adenosine monophosphate; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; PKM2: pyruvate kinase M2.