What is phosphoglucose isomerase?

Phosphoglucose isomerase, also known as glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), is an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to fructose-6-phosphate in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways. This enzyme is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates in cells.

Phosphoglucose isomerase is found in all living organisms, from bacteria to humans, and plays a crucial role in energy production. It is involved in the breakdown of glucose to generate ATP, the main energy currency of cells.

Deficiencies in phosphoglucose isomerase have been linked to various diseases, including hemolytic anemia and non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia. In addition, abnormal expression of this enzyme has been associated with cancer, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Phosphoglucose isomerase is a target for drug development research, as it is a key enzyme in glycolysis and its inhibition could potentially disrupt cancer cell metabolism. Understanding the structure and function of this enzyme may lead to the development of new therapies for various diseases.