Deregulation of glycolysis in cancer: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a therapeutic target

Introduction: Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a key glycolytic enzyme, but recent studies have shown its non-glycolytic role in cell death, survival mechanisms and diseases. Increase in glycolysis, in particular overexpression of GAPDH, has been considered an important feature of many types of cancer cells. This review focuses on the role of GAPDH in carcinogenesis and the possibility of using this target for anticancer therapy. Areas covered: In this review, the studies targeting GAPDH in human cancer as well as its functions in normal and cancer cells are described and discussed. Expert opinion: GAPDH is an essential component of the glycolysis energy system, which is actively employed in cancer cells. Analysis of the so-called bioenergetics signature (the ratio of beta-F1-ATPase and GAPDH proteins) of different cancer types can be used for estimation of the cell metabolic activity, cancer aggressiveness and response to chemotherapy. Recent studies suggest GAPDH as a promising target for therapy of some carcinomas. Incidentally, limitations of this approach may come from the versatility of the GAPDH enzyme, since it combines glycolytic, pro-apoptotic and other activities. Hence, targeting GAPDH may lead to unexpected results concerning normal cells and therefore requires further research.