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Function

Catalyzes the phosphorylation of hexose, such as D-glucose, D-fructose and D-mannose, to hexose 6-phosphate (D-glucose 6-phosphate, D-fructose 6-phosphate and D-mannose 6-phosphate, respectively) (PubMed:11916951, PubMed:15277402, PubMed:17082186, PubMed:18322640, PubMed:19146401, PubMed:25015100, PubMed:7742312, PubMed:8325892). Compared to other hexokinases, has a weak affinity for D-glucose, and is effective only when glucose is abundant (By similarity). Mainly expressed in pancreatic beta cells and the liver and constitutes a rate-limiting step in glucose metabolism in these tissues (PubMed:11916951, PubMed:15277402, PubMed:18322640, PubMed:25015100, PubMed:8325892). Since insulin secretion parallels glucose metabolism and the low glucose affinity of GCK ensures that it can change its enzymatic activity within the physiological range of glucose concentrations, GCK acts as a glucose sensor in the pancreatic beta cell (By similarity). In pancreas, plays an important role in modulating insulin secretion (By similarity). In liver, helps to facilitate the uptake and conversion of glucose by acting as an insulin-sensitive determinant of hepatic glucose usage (By similarity). Required to provide D-glucose 6-phosphate for the synthesis of glycogen (PubMed:8878425). Mediates the initial step of glycolysis by catalyzing phosphorylation of D-glucose to D-glucose 6-phosphate (PubMed:7742312).

Involvement in disease

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young 2

MODY2

A form of diabetes that is characterized by an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, onset in childhood or early adulthood (usually before 25 years of age), a primary defect in insulin secretion and frequent insulin-independence at the beginning of the disease.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, familial, 3

HHF3

A form of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by inappropriate insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta-cells in the presence of low blood glucose levels. HHF3 clinical features include loss of consciousness due to hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic coma, mental retardation due to repeated episodes of hypoglycemia, and seizures. HHF3 inheritance is autosomal dominant.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

T2D

A multifactorial disorder of glucose homeostasis caused by a lack of sensitivity to insulin. Affected individuals usually have an obese body habitus and manifestations of a metabolic syndrome characterized by diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. The disease results in long-term complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.

None

Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Diabetes mellitus, permanent neonatal, 1

PNDM1

An autosomal recessive form of permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus, a type of diabetes characterized by onset of persistent hyperglycemia within the first six months of life. Initial clinical manifestations include intrauterine growth retardation, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, osmotic polyuria, severe dehydration, and failure to thrive.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Pathway

Carbohydrate metabolism; hexose metabolism.

Carbohydrate degradation; glycolysis; D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and glycerone phosphate from D-glucose: step 1/4.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the hexokinase family.

Cellular localization

  • Cytoplasm
  • Nucleus
  • Mitochondrion
  • Under low glucose concentrations, GCK associates with GCKR and the inactive complex is recruited to the hepatocyte nucleus.

Alternative names

Hexokinase-4, HK4, Glucokinase, Hexokinase type IV, Hexokinase-D, HK IV, GCK

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Metabolism

Molecular weight

52191Da

We found 3 products in 2 categories

Primary Antibodies

Target

Application

Reactive species

Proteins & Peptides

Target

Species of origin

Search our catalogue for 'GCK' (3)

Products

ab303612

Anti-Glucokinase antibody [EPR25847-150]

Recombinant
RabMAb
20ul selling size