Updates on Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD): From Prokaryotes to Human

Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the rate determining enzyme that catalyzes the first step in pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) which produces NADPH that serves as reducing agent for reductive biosynthetic reactions such as steroids, fatty acids and nucleotides syntheses. Been ubiquitous, it has been found in wide range of organisms, ranging from prokaryotic organisms to even higher animals like human. Numerous G6PD isoenzymes have been isolated, purified and well characterised. However, obtained information such as its kinetic parameters and biological properties have not been judiciously appropriated for biotechnological/medical applications. This review thus concisely showcases G6PD, focusing on some sources where it has been isolated, purified and characterized, physicochemical/biochemical properties, the benefits and adverse effects its evolution may confer, and the possible biotechnological applications/prospects for the enzyme.