Glycerophosphocholine phosphodiesterase 1 (GPCPD1)

Glycerophosphocholine phosphodiesterase 1 (GPCPD1) is a cytosolic enzyme that selectively hydrolyzes glycerophosphocholine (GPC), generating choline and glycerol 3-phosphate. It is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and intestinal epithelial cells, regulating choline homeostasis and phosphatidylcholine turnover. GPCPD1 plays a crucial role in systemic metabolism, including maintenance of glucose tolerance and cellular membrane composition. Its dysfunction has been linked to aging, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, likely due to altered intracellular GPC and choline levels and their downstream metabolic consequences. GPCPD1 activity can affect circulating TMAO levels, which are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Its function is essential for normal development, as null mutations cause embryonic lethality in mice. There are no approved drugs directly targeting GPCPD1, but its metabolic pathway is of emerging therapeutic interest.

Other names

GDE5GDPD6EDI3KIAA1434PREI4Glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase 5Endometrial differential 3Putative glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase 5Glycerophosphocholine phosphodiesterase GDE1 homologPreimplantation protein 4GPCPD1

For drugs targeting GPCPD1 (not yet available clinically): - Enzyme inhibition: Prevents hydrolysis of GPC, leading to altered intracellular choline and GPC levels, with downstream effects on membrane composition and metabolism (potential anti-cancer or metabolic benefits) - Modulation of choline supply, affecting metabolite profiles like TMAO