Gluconeogenesis

Gluconeogenesis is a crucial metabolic pathway involving the biosynthesis of glucose from nonhexose or non-carbohydrate precursors, such as lactate, pyruvate, alanine, and glycerol. This process plays a significant role in maintaining glucose homeostasis, particularly during periods of fasting or intense exercise when glucose reserves are depleted.

Pathway

The gluconeogenesis pathway is largely a reversal of glycolysis, utilizing several of the same enzymes. However, it includes three key steps that bypass the irreversibly regulated steps of glycolysis. These steps involve the enzymes pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, and glucose 6-phosphatase.

Regulation

Gluconeogenesis is tightly regulated at both the gene expression and enzymatic activity levels. It's primarily regulated by hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which respectively inhibit and stimulate the process in response to blood glucose levels. Certain enzymes within the pathway are also allosterically regulated by various metabolites.

Clinical Significance

Disturbances in gluconeogenesis can lead to metabolic disorders, including hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. For instance, excessive gluconeogenesis contributes to the elevated blood glucose levels observed in type 2 diabetes.

See Also

• Glycolysis
• Pyruvate Carboxylase
• Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase
• Fructose 1,6-Bisphosphatase
• Glucose 6-Phosphatase
• Insulin
• Glucagon

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