6-phosphogluconate

6-Phosphogluconate is an important molecule that plays a crucial role in the Pentose phosphate pathway, a metabolic pathway parallel to glycolysis. It is the product of the first reaction of this pathway, which is catalyzed by the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Structure

6-Phosphogluconate is a six-carbon sugar acid. It is a phosphate ester of gluconate, which is a derivative of glucose. The phosphate group is attached to the sixth carbon of the sugar ring, hence the name 6-phosphogluconate.

Role in Metabolism

In the pentose phosphate pathway, 6-phosphogluconate is produced from glucose-6-phosphate by the action of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. This reaction also produces a molecule of NADPH, which is an important reducing agent in many biochemical reactions.

6-Phosphogluconate is then converted into ribulose-5-phosphate by the enzyme 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. This reaction also produces another molecule of NADPH and releases a molecule of carbon dioxide.

Clinical Significance

Deficiencies in the enzymes that metabolize 6-phosphogluconate can lead to various metabolic disorders. For example, a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase can lead to G6PD deficiency, a condition that can cause hemolytic anemia.

See Also

• Pentose phosphate pathway
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
• G6PD deficiency

6-phosphogluconate Resources
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