GLK E.coli

Recombinant glucokinase is often expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) due to the bacterium’s well-characterized genetics, rapid growth, and ability to express high levels of recombinant proteins . The recombinant glucokinase protein expressed in E. coli is typically used for research purposes, including studies on enzyme kinetics, glucose metabolism, and diabetes .

Glucokinase has a high Km for glucose, meaning it is effective only when glucose is abundant . This property makes it a key regulator of glucose levels in the body. In pancreatic beta cells, glucokinase acts as a glucose sensor, modulating insulin secretion in response to blood glucose levels . In the liver, it facilitates the uptake and conversion of glucose, acting as an insulin-sensitive determinant of hepatic glucose usage .

Mutations in the glucokinase gene (GCK) can lead to various metabolic disorders. For instance, certain mutations are associated with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY2), and persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI) . Understanding the function and regulation of glucokinase is therefore critical for developing therapeutic strategies for these conditions.

Recombinant glucokinase from E. coli is widely used in research to study its biochemical properties and regulatory mechanisms . It is also employed in drug discovery efforts aimed at modulating glucokinase activity to treat diabetes and other metabolic disorders .