Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase: linking endocrinology and metabolism in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) got into the focus of interest due to its role in the prereceptorial activation of glucocorticoids, which has been implicated in the pathomechanism of metabolic syndrome. Genetic observations, results gained in H6PD knockout mice, and studies on differentiating adipocytes demonstrated the importance of the enzyme in metabolic regulation. A nutrient-sensing function can be postulated for the enzyme, which links metabolism to endocrinology in the endoplasmic reticulum. This review provides an overview of the recent developments concerning the enzyme and its impact on various branches of the intermediary metabolism, which make it an important subject for the research on obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.