Exploring the role of pyridoxal kinase: a key player in vitamin B6 metabolism

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, demanding innovative approaches to combat its complexity and heterogeneity. In recent years, Pyridoxal kinase (PDXK), a critical enzyme in the vitamin B6 metabolic pathway, has emerged as a promising target in the pursuit of effective cancer therapies. PDXK, responsible for phosphorylating vitamin B6 to its active forms, plays a pivotal role in various cellular processes, including DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and immune regulation. Dysregulation of PDXK expression has been implicated in cancer, contributing to tumorigenesis and progression. Recent advances in small molecule inhibitors and activators targeting PDXK have showcased their potential to alter cancer cell behavior. These molecules hold promise not only as standalone treatments but also as adjuvants to conventional therapies, augmenting their efficacy. Moreover, PDXK modulation has a profound impact on tumor metabolism. By perturbing vitamin B6 homeostasis, it disrupts the bioenergetics and redox balance within cancer cells, rendering them vulnerable to therapeutic intervention. Combining PDXK modulation with existing cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, offers the tantalizing prospect of synergistic treatment approaches, potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. This review explores the therapeutic potential of PDXK modulation as a novel strategy in the battle against cancer.