TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR)

TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) is a p53-inducible enzyme encoded by the C12orf5 gene, structurally similar to the bisphosphatase domain of phosphofructokinase-2/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase[3][4]. TIGAR functions mainly as a fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase, lowering cellular fructose-2,6-bisphosphate levels, thereby inhibiting glycolysis and rerouting glucose metabolism toward the pentose phosphate pathway. This action increases the cellular production of NADPH and reduced glutathione, which protects cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis. TIGAR is involved in metabolic adaptation to stress, tumor cell survival, DNA repair, autophagy regulation, and resistance to therapy-induced cell death. It is overexpressed in several cancer types, where it can provide a survival advantage by reducing ROS-mediated damage and can be viewed as a potential, though challenging, therapeutic target[1][2][4][5][7][8].

Other names

Fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase TIGARC12orf5TP53-inducible glycolysis and apoptosis regulator

Inhibition of glycolysis by decreasing cellular fructose-2,6-bisphosphate levels[1][3][4]. Enhancement of antioxidant defense by increasing NADPH and reduced glutathione via channeling metabolites to the pentose phosphate pathway[1][2][5][7]. Modulation of cell death pathways: protection against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and autophagy inhibition[1][4][5][7].