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Glucose, the primary cellular energy source, is metabolized through glycolysis initiated by the rate-limiting enzyme Hexokinase (HK). In energy-demanding tissues like the brain, HK1 is the dominant isoform, primarily localized on mitochondria, crucial for efficient glycolysis-oxidative phosphorylation coupling and optimal energy generation. This study unveils a unique mechanism regulating HK1 activity, glycolysis, and the dynamics of mitochondrial coupling, mediated by the metabolic sensor enzyme O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). OGT catalyzes reversible O-GlcNAcylation, a post-translational modification, influenced by glucose flux. Elevated OGT activity induces dynamic O-GlcNAcylation of HK1's regulatory domain, subsequently promoting the assembly of the glycolytic metabolon on the outer mitochondrial membrane. This modification enhances HK1's mitochondrial association, orchestrating glycolytic and mitochondrial ATP production. Mutations in HK1's O-GlcNAcylation site reduce ATP generation, affecting synaptic functions in neurons. The study uncovers a novel pathway that bridges neuronal metabolism and mitochondrial function via OGT and the formation of the glycolytic metabolon, offering new prospects for tackling metabolic and neurological disorders.
Wang et al. (Sun,) studied this question.