ketohexokináz

Ketohexokinase is an enzyme with the systematic name D-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate phosphoketolase. It catalyzes the reversible reaction of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. This reaction is a key step in glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate. Ketohexokinase is found in many organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and plants. In humans, it is primarily found in the liver.

The enzyme plays a crucial role in energy metabolism by breaking down fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, an intermediate in glycolysis. This breakdown allows for the further processing of these molecules to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. The reversible nature of the reaction also means that ketohexokinase can participate in gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors.

Dysregulation of ketohexokinase activity has been implicated in certain metabolic disorders. For instance, mutations in the gene encoding ketohexokinase can lead to fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that affects glucose metabolism and can cause hypoglycemia. Research into ketohexokinase continues to explore its precise regulatory mechanisms and its broader implications in cellular energy homeostasis.