Glycolysis pathway enzyme

Glycolysis pathway enzymes are a group of cytoplasmic enzymes that catalyze the sequential conversion of glucose into pyruvate through ten distinct steps. These include hexokinase/glucokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase, phosphofructokinase, aldolase, triose phosphate isomerase, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase, phosphoglycerate mutase, enolase, and pyruvate kinase[1][7]. The process generates ATP and NADH for cellular energy needs. Three key regulatory enzymes—hexokinase/glucokinase (step 1), phosphofructokinase (step 3), and pyruvate kinase (step 10)—control the overall flux through the pathway[1][5]. Dysregulation or mutation in these enzymes can lead to diseases such as hemolytic anemia or contribute to cancer cell proliferation via the Warburg effect[4]. Because many tumors rely heavily on aerobic glycolysis for growth even under oxygen-rich conditions ("Warburg effect"), several glycolytic enzymes are considered promising therapeutic targets in oncology[4].

Other names

Glycolytic enzymeEnzyme of glycolysisGlycolytic pathway enzyme

Inhibition of enzymatic activity to block ATP production in cancer cells or pathogens Modulation of metabolic flux through the glycolytic pathway