Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Function

Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) or 6-phosphogluconolactonase catalyzes the conversion of glucose 6-phosphate (G6P)to 6-phospho-glucono-1,5-lactone. G6PD uses NAPD as cofactor^[1]. G6PD is found in the cytoplasm and its function is protection against oxidative damage caused by metabolism. G6PD is part of the pentose phosphate cycle which is part of the cellular carbohydrate synthesis.
See also G6PD (Hebrew).

Disease

G6PD deficiency is genetically recessive and predisposes toward hemolytic anemia^[2]. This disease is not fatal if the carrier maintains a suitable diet and uses appropriate drugs like corticsteroids. G6PD deficiency in red blood cells causes lack of NADPH which results in oxidative damage of the cell membrane and its rupture.

Structural highlights

(PDB code 1e77), water molecules shown as red spheres. ^[3]