Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) in protecting neurons against neurological impairments. By catalyzing the first ATP-producing step in glycolysis, PGK1 has been identified as a rate-limiting factor in axonal ATP production. Studies have shown that even a slight increase in PGK1 activity can have significant protective effects, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). In fact, the drug terazosin, known to activate PGK1, has shown promising results in various PD models. Interestingly, a retrospective analysis revealed that long-term use of terazosin reduced the risk of developing PD, pointing to the potential clinical implications of targeting PGK1. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of bioenergetic control in neuronal function, with PGK1 emerging as a critical player in maintaining cellular energy production and synaptic integrity. For more information, refer to the linked article.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn6016
