Enolase

Enolase is a key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, which is crucial for energy production in cells. It catalyzes the reversible conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate (2-PG) to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), a step that is essential for the subsequent production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Enolase is highly conserved across various species, reflecting its fundamental role in metabolism. Additionally, this enzyme functions as a metalloenzyme, requiring magnesium ions to be active. Beyond its metabolic function, enolase has been found to play roles in various processes including growth control, hypoxic stress response, and even as a plasminogen receptor on the surface of pathogens, contributing to their virulence in host tissues.