Transketolase promotes colorectal cancer metastasis through regulating AKT phosphorylation

Transketolase (TKT) which is an important metabolic enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) participates in maintaining ribose 5-phosphate levels. TKT is necessary for maintaining cell growth. However, we found that in addition to this, TKT can also affect tumor progression through other ways. Our previous study indicate that TKT could promote the development of liver cancer by affecting bile acid metabolism. And in this study, we discovered that TKT expression was remarkably upregulated in colorectal cancer, abnormal high expression of TKT is associated with poor prognosis of colorectal cancer. Additionally, TKT promoted colorectal cancer cell growth and metastasis. Further study demonstrated that TKT interacted with GRP78 and promoted colorectal cancer cell glycolysis through increasing AKT phosphorylation, thereby enhancing colorectal cancer cell metastasis. Thus, TKT is expected to become an indicator for judging the prognosis of colorectal cancer, and provide a theoretical basis for drug development of new treatment targets for colorectal cancer.

Automated summary

Transketolase (TKT), an important enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, plays a crucial role in maintaining ribose 5-phosphate levels and cell growth. Recent studies have shown that TKT is not only involved in liver cancer development but also in colorectal cancer progression. Abnormal upregulation of TKT expression is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer, and TKT promotes colorectal cancer cell growth and metastasis by enhancing glycolysis through AKT phosphorylation.