Cellular bioenergetics and energy metabolism

Cellular bioenergetics and energy metabolism refer to the **network of biochemical pathways** that govern the flow and transformation of energy within living cells. This includes processes such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs or TCA cycle), oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation, and ketogenesis[1][2][3]. These pathways are responsible for converting nutrients—primarily carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—into adenosine triphosphate (**ATP**), which serves as the universal cellular "energy currency"[4][5][6]. The regulation of these processes is essential for cell growth, maintenance, survival under stress conditions (such as hypoxia), and adaptation to varying nutrient availability. Disruptions in cellular bioenergetics are implicated in a range of diseases including cancer (notably via altered glucose utilization known as the Warburg effect), neurodegenerative disorders due to mitochondrial dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases related to impaired ATP production[2]. While this term describes a fundamental aspect of cell biology rather than a single molecular target or receptor suitable for direct drug targeting or biomarker development[1][4], individual enzymes or transporters within these pathways can serve as therapeutic targets. **Note:** "Cellular bioenergetics/energy metabolism" is not itself a discrete molecule or receptor but rather an umbrella term describing interconnected metabolic processes. For structured data extraction regarding drug targets or biomarkers, it is necessary to specify particular enzymes (e.g., ATP synthase), transporters (e.g., glucose transporter 1/GLUT1), or regulatory proteins involved in these pathways.

Other names

BioenergeticsEnergy metabolismCellular energy metabolismCell energetic metabolism