Description
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is a cytosolic enzyme which plays a key role in the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP). The PPP pathway supplies reducing energy to cells (such as erythrocytes) by maintaining the level of the co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). The NADPH in turn maintains the level of glutathione in these cells that helps protect the red blood cells against oxidative damage. Recently studies have found increased G6PDH activity in various human tumors and knockdown of this G6PDH decreases cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis in vitro. Therefore, targeting this key enzyme is essential for developing novel therapeutic approach for treatment/cure of cancer