mannose metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving mannose, the aldohexose manno-hexose, the C-2 epimer of glucose. The D-(+)-form is widely distributed in mannans and hemicelluloses and is of major importance in the core oligosaccharide of N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins. [ISBN:0198506732]

Mannose metabolism is a fundamental biological process that involves the breakdown and utilization of mannose, a simple sugar. It plays a critical role in various cellular functions, including energy production, glycoprotein synthesis, and immune system regulation.

The process begins with the uptake of mannose from the diet or from intracellular sources. Mannose is then phosphorylated to mannose-6-phosphate by the enzyme hexokinase. This phosphorylated form of mannose is then further metabolized through a series of enzymatic reactions.

One major pathway for mannose metabolism is the glycolysis pathway, where mannose-6-phosphate is converted to fructose-6-phosphate. Fructose-6-phosphate is then a key intermediate in glycolysis, a process that breaks down glucose to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of cells.

Another important pathway for mannose metabolism is the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, where mannose-6-phosphate is used to synthesize UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc). UDP-GlcNAc is an essential precursor for the synthesis of glycoproteins, which are proteins that have sugar chains attached to them. Glycoproteins play crucial roles in cell signaling, cell adhesion, and immune recognition.

Mannose metabolism is also linked to the immune system. Mannose receptors on the surface of immune cells, such as macrophages, recognize and bind to mannose residues on the surface of pathogens. This interaction triggers the activation of immune responses, leading to the clearance of pathogens from the body.

In addition to these major pathways, mannose metabolism also involves other reactions, such as the conversion of mannose to fructose and the synthesis of mannose-containing oligosaccharides.

In summary, mannose metabolism is a complex and essential biological process that plays diverse roles in cellular energy production, glycoprotein synthesis, and immune system regulation. Disruptions in mannose metabolism can lead to various diseases, highlighting the importance of this process for human health.'
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Proteins (4)

Compounds (14)