New advances in research on glycogen metabolism-regulated diseases

Abstract

Glycogen, a polysaccharide composed of glucose molecules linked by α-1,4-glycosidic and α-1,6- glycosidic bonds, is one of the primary energy storage forms in human body. Glycogen is primarily stored in the liver (as liver glycogen) and skeletal muscles (as muscle glycogen), with smaller amounts present in tissues such as myocardium, kidneys, and brain. When the body requires energy, liver glycogen can be broken down into glucose, which is then utilized by various tissues and organs. During exercise, muscle glycogen is consumed by skeletal muscles to meet the energy demands of the muscles. Beyond its crucial roles in maintaining blood glucose levels and providing energy, recent research has revealed that glycogen metabolism also regulates biological processes such as cell differentiation, signal transduction, and redox reactions. This review focuses on the latest research advancements in the regulatory mechanisms of glycogen metabolism in metabolic diseases, tumors, and immune cell responses, highlighting new regulatory modes and mechanisms.

Keywords

• glycogen metabolism
• metabolic diseases
• tumor
• immune cell