The GPI gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI). This enzyme has two distinct functions based on its structure. When two GPI molecules form a complex (a homodimer), the enzyme plays a role in a critical energy-producing process known as glycolysis, also called the glycolytic pathway. During glycolysis, the simple sugar glucose is broken down to produce energy. Specifically, GPI is involved in the second step of the glycolytic pathway; in this step, a molecule called glucose-6-phosphate is converted to another molecule called fructose-6-phosphate.
When GPI remains a single molecule (a monomer) it is involved in the development and maintenance of nerve cells (neurons). In this context, it is often known as neuroleukin (NLK).
The monomer is also produced by cancer cells and functions to promote spreading (metastasis) of the cancer; in this context it is called autocrine motility factor (AMF).
Other Names
AMF; autocrine motility factor; G6PI_HUMAN; glucose phosphate isomerase; GNPI; hexose monophosphate isomerase; hexosephosphate isomerase; neuroleukin; NLK; oxoisomerase; PGI; PHI; phosphoglucose isomerase; phosphohexomutase; phosphohexose isomerase; phosphosaccharomutase; SA36; sperm antigen 36
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 2821
- OMIM: 172400
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
