The dual role of the pentose phosphate pathway in homeostasis and regeneration.

Li, Ziyu; Xu, Jiaqi; Li, Yi · Cell Metab · 2026

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Abstract

In a recent issue of Cell, Song et al.<sup>1</sup> show that the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) plays dual roles as a metabolic checkpoint. Spatial enrichment of PPP in peripheral nerves maintains mechanosensation homeostasis via NADPH-dependent redox balance, shifting to promote axon regeneration after injury by providing ribose-5-phosphate for RNA synthesis.

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