Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) is a central metabolite in cellular intermediary metabolism, acting as a critical junction between glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and glycogen synthesis. Accurate quantification of G6P is essential for studying cellular energy metabolism, redox balance, and metabolic diseases. Glucose-6-phosphate assay kits provide sensitive, rapid, and reliable measurement of G6P levels in various biological samples.

Role of Glucose-6-Phosphate in Intermediary Metabolism

• Glycolysis: G6P is isomerized to fructose-6-phosphate, continuing the breakdown of glucose for ATP production.
• Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP): G6P is oxidized by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), producing NADPH, essential for reductive biosynthesis and antioxidant defense.
• Glycogen Synthesis: G6P can be converted to glucose-1-phosphate, then to UDP-glucose, serving as a precursor for glycogen.
• Metabolic Regulation: G6P concentration reflects glucose uptake and utilization, influencing metabolic flux and cellular redox state.

Sensitivity and Range

• Detection limits typically range from 1 µM to 10 µM G6P.
• Linear detection ranges extend up to 1 mM or higher, accommodating physiological and pathological concentrations.
• Assays are compatible with low sample volumes (1–50 µL), enabling high-throughput screening.

Applications

• Metabolic Studies: Monitoring G6P levels to assess glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway activity.
• Disease Research: Investigating metabolic dysregulation in diabetes, cancer, and oxidative stress-related conditions.
• Pharmacology: Screening compounds affecting glucose metabolism and redox balance.
• Plant and Environmental Biology: Studying carbohydrate metabolism under stress conditions.
• Clinical Chemistry: Research on glucose homeostasis and related enzymopathies.

Glucose-6-phosphate assay kits are essential tools for quantitatively analyzing a pivotal intermediary metabolite in cellular metabolism. Their enzymatic, colorimetric, or fluorometric detection methods offer sensitive and reliable measurement of G6P, facilitating research into metabolic pathways, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic development. These kits enable detailed insights into glucose utilization and cellular energy homeostasis across various biological contexts.