Transketolase-like protein 1 (TKTL1)

Transketolase-like protein 1 (TKTL1) is an enzyme closely related to transketolase (TKT), a key player in the non-oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway. Unlike TKT, TKTL1 forms a heterodimer with TKT, altering enzymatic properties and leading to increased production of ribose-5-phosphate and acetyl-CoA. These metabolites are essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and lipid biosynthesis, underpinning TKTL1's role in supporting rapid cell growth, especially in cancer cells. TKTL1 enables metabolic reprogramming characteristic of tumors, contributing to the Warburg effect, resistance to hypoxia, immune evasion, and metastasis. Functionally, TKTL1 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in cancer and diabetes, and its expression may serve as a biomarker for prognosis or therapy resistance. No specific TKTL1 inhibitors are in clinical use, but its central role in cellular metabolism makes it a focus for drug development efforts[1][2][3].

Other names

Transketolase-like 1TKTL1TKRTKT2TK 2Transketolase 2Transketolase-related proteintransketolase-2

Inhibition of TKTL1 would suppress tumor metabolic reprogramming, reducing aerobic glycolysis, nucleotide and lipid synthesis, and potentially impairing cancer cell survival and proliferation[2][3].