Cellular energy production pathways

Cellular energy production pathways represent the collective biochemical processes, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation, that convert nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) [1][2]. These pathways are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, driving endergonic reactions, and supporting physiological functions across all organ systems [3]. Dysregulation of these pathways is a hallmark of various pathologies; for instance, cancer cells often exhibit increased glycolytic flux even in the presence of oxygen, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect [5]. Therapeutic intervention often involves targeting specific enzymes or complexes within these pathways, such as the inhibition of mitochondrial Complex I by metformin or the targeting of hexokinase in glycolysis [4][5]. Because these pathways are ubiquitous and fundamental to life, achieving therapeutic selectivity remains a significant challenge in drug development to avoid systemic toxicity in high-energy-demanding tissues like the brain and heart [1][5].

Other names

Energy metabolismCellular respirationBioenergeticsMetabolic pathwaysATP production pathways

Inhibition or modulation of specific enzymes and electron transport chain complexes to alter metabolic flux and ATP yield.