How does G6PD contribute to tumor growth and survival?
Cancer cells rely on G6PD to support rapid proliferation and survival under stressful conditions. The enzymeâs activity is often upregulated in cancer, enhancing the production of NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate, which are necessary for lipid synthesis and DNA replication, respectively. This upregulation supports the high metabolic demands of tumor cells and contributes to their ability to thrive in hostile environments. Moreover, by mitigating oxidative stress, G6PD allows cancer cells to evade apoptosis, promoting tumor growth and survival.
