Transketolase protein TKTL1 overexpression: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Malignant tumors degrade glucose to lactate even in the presence of oxygen via the pentose phosphate pathway (ppp). The non-oxidative part of the ppp is controlled by thiamine-dependant transketolase enzyme reactions. Overexpression of the transketolase-like-1-gene (TKTL1) in urothelial and colorectal cancer is associated with poor patient outcome.