Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD) is a key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), responsible for catalyzing the oxidative decarboxylation of 6-phosphogluconate to ribulose-5-phosphate while generating NADPH. This reaction plays a critical role in cellular redox homeostasis, nucleic acid synthesis, and lipid metabolism. PGD-derived NADPH is essential for combating oxidative stress and sustaining antioxidant systems, such as glutathione regeneration. Dysregulation of PGD has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes, where altered NADPH levels influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance.
PGD antibodies are vital tools for studying the enzyme's expression, localization, and functional roles in physiological and pathological contexts. They enable detection of PGD in tissues or cell lines via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Recent research highlights PGD as a potential therapeutic target, particularly in cancers with PPP hyperactivity. Antibodies also facilitate investigations into post-translational modifications or mutations affecting PGD activity. However, challenges remain in ensuring antibody specificity due to structural similarities among dehydrogenase family members. Validated PGD antibodies are crucial for advancing mechanistic studies and translational applications in precision medicine.