Hexokinases

Hexokinases are a family of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. They catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to glucose, converting the glucose into glucose-6-phosphate. Hexokinases play an important role in the regulation of glucose metabolism, both by determining the rate at which glucose is metabolized, and by providing a metabolic link with other pathways. Hexokinases are of particular importance in cells such as those of the liver, adipocytes and muscle, which are responsible for releasing glucose into the bloodstream. They are also involved in insulin signaling pathways. In addition, hexokinases can be used in drug discovery, as targets for drugs that can regulate glucose metabolism.