6-Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase Links Cytosolic Carbohydrate Metabolism to Protein Secretion

The proteinaceous extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital for cancer cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. However, little is known regarding metabolic pathways required in the ECM secretion process. By using an unbiased computational approach, we searched for enzymes whose suppression may lead to disruptions in protein secretion. Here, we show that 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD), a cytosolic enzyme involved in carbohydrate metabolism, is required for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) structural integrity and protein secretion. Chemical inhibition or genetic suppression of its activity led to cell stress accompanied by significantly expanded ER volume and can be rescued by compensating glutathione supplies. Our results also suggest that this characteristic ER-dilation phenotype may be a general marker indicating increased ECM protein congestion inside cells and decreased secretion. Thus, PGD exemplifies a nexus of cytosolic carbohydrate metabolism and protein secretion.