Intracellular glucose metabolism

Intracellular glucose metabolism refers to the collection of biochemical pathways by which cells process and utilize glucose for energy production and biosynthetic needs. This includes glycolysis in the cytosol, conversion of pyruvate via the tricarboxylic acid cycle in mitochondria under aerobic conditions, oxidative phosphorylation for ATP generation on mitochondrial membranes, as well as ancillary processes like glycogenesis/glycogenolysis for storage/mobilization and the pentose phosphate pathway for nucleotide synthesis[1][3]. The regulation of these pathways is tightly controlled by hormones such as insulin and glucagon through modulation of key enzymes and transporters[2]. While many drugs target specific proteins within these pathways—such as SGLT2 inhibitors affecting renal reabsorption or metformin modulating hepatic gluconeogenesis—the term "intracellular glucose metabolism" does not refer to a single molecular entity but rather an integrated network essential for cell survival. Therefore, it is not considered a therapeutic target per se but encompasses multiple validated drug targets.

Other names

Cellular glucose metabolismGlucose metabolic pathways (intracellular)Intracellular carbohydrate metabolism