Transaldolase 1 (TALDO1)

Transaldolase 1 is a key enzyme of the non-oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway, catalyzing the reversible conversion of sedoheptulose 7-phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate into erythrose 4-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate. This enzyme supports nucleotide synthesis (via ribose-5-phosphate production), the maintenance of reduced NADPH for biosynthetic and antioxidant purposes, and links the pentose phosphate pathway with central glycolytic metabolism. In humans, it is encoded by the TALDO1 gene. Deficiency in transaldolase 1 leads to a rare metabolic disorder characterized by hepatic dysfunction (cirrhosis, hepatosplenomegaly) and the accumulation of polyols. Elevated expression of TALDO1 is observed in cancers and it is under investigation as a potential metabolic target. The protein is present in both nucleus and cytoplasm, with two isoforms arising from alternative translational initiation. There are no currently approved drugs directly acting on this enzyme, but it remains of interest for metabolic and cancer research.

Other names

TransaldolaseTALDO1TALTALDOTALDORTAL-HTALHtransaldolasedihydroxyacetone transferaseglycerone transferasetesticular secretory protein Li 56

No approved drugs targeting TALDO1; but theoretical mechanisms would involve inhibition or modulation of pentose phosphate pathway flux.