Glycolysis and peripheral glucose utilization pathways

Glycolysis and peripheral glucose utilization pathways represent the integrated biochemical processes responsible for the cellular uptake and catabolism of glucose to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Glycolysis is a central metabolic pathway occurring in the cytosol, where a single molecule of glucose is enzymatically converted into two molecules of pyruvate, yielding a net gain of ATP and NADH (StatPearls, 2023). Peripheral glucose utilization specifically refers to the insulin-mediated uptake of glucose by skeletal muscle and adipose tissue via the translocation of GLUT4 transporters to the plasma membrane (NIH, 2022). Dysregulation of these pathways is central to the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose clearance, as well as in oncology, where the Warburg effect describes the preference of cancer cells for aerobic glycolysis (PubMed, 2021). Pharmacological agents such as metformin and insulin analogs target these pathways to improve glycemic control, while experimental glycolytic inhibitors are being explored for their potential to starve tumor cells of energy (DrugBank, 2024).

Other names

Glucose metabolismGlycolytic pathwayPeripheral glucose uptakeGlucose utilizationCellular glucose metabolism

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), stimulation of GLUT4 transporter translocation, inhibition of hexokinase and other glycolytic enzymes, and reduction of hepatic gluconeogenesis (PubChem, 2024; NIH, 2022).