Energy metabolism markers

Energy metabolism markers represent a diverse group of biochemical substances and genetic indicators used to evaluate the metabolic state and energy-producing capacity of cells and tissues [10]. These markers encompass small molecule metabolites such as glucose, lactate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as well as key regulatory proteins like AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and PGC-1α [3, 9]. They play a critical role in clinical and research settings for monitoring diseases characterized by metabolic dysregulation, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and various cancers where metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark [2, 6]. While these markers are essential for diagnosing pathology and assessing the efficacy of metabolic-modifying therapies, they do not constitute a single therapeutic target themselves [10]. Instead, they serve as measurable endpoints for drugs that act on specific enzymes, transporters, or signaling pathways within the broader metabolic network [4, 8]. For instance, changes in lactate levels can indicate the effectiveness of glycolysis inhibitors in oncology, while glucose levels monitor the impact of insulin-sensitizing agents [8, 10]. Overall, they provide a snapshot of cellular bioenergetics and are vital for personalized medicine and drug development [5, 10].

Other names

Metabolic markersBioenergetic markersMetabolic biomarkersEnergy metabolism-related genesMetabolic indicators

Not applicable as this is a category of biomarkers; however, drugs targeting metabolic pathways modulate these markers through mechanisms such as AMPK activation, SGLT2 inhibition, or competitive inhibition of glycolysis.