Hexokinase 2 is dispensable for photoreceptor development but is required for survival during aging and outer retinal stress.

ABSTRACT: Photoreceptor death is the ultimate cause of vision loss in many retinal degenerative conditions. Identifying novel therapeutic avenues for prolonging photoreceptor health and function has the potential to improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from degenerative retinal disorders. Photoreceptors are metabolically unique among other neurons in that they process the majority of their glucose via aerobic glycolysis. One of the main regulators of aerobic glycolysis is hexokinase 2 (HK2). Beyond its enzymatic function of phosphorylating glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, HK2 has additional non-enzymatic roles, including the regulation of apoptotic signaling via AKT signaling. Determining the role of HK2 in photoreceptor homeostasis may identify novel signaling pathways that can

SUBMITTER: Weh E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7272456 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature