Glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenases (1 and 2) in cancer and other diseases

The glycerol 3-phosphate shuttle (GPS) is composed of two different enzymes: cytosolic NAD⁺-linked glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GPD1) and mitochondrial FAD-linked glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2). These two enzymes work together to act as an NADH shuttle for mitochondrial bioenergetics and function as an important bridge between glucose and lipid metabolism. Since these genes were discovered in the 1960s, their abnormal expression has been described in various metabolic diseases and tumors. Nevertheless, it took a long time until scientists could investigate the causal relationship of these enzymes in those pathophysiological conditions. To date, numerous studies have explored the involvement and mechanisms of GPD1 and GPD2 in cancer and other diseases, encompassing reports of controversial and non-conventional mechanisms. In this review, we summarize and update current knowledge regarding the functions and effects of GPS to provide an overview of how the enzymes influence disease conditions. The potential and challenges of developing therapeutic strategies targeting these enzymes are also discussed.