6-phosphoglyconic dehydrogenase (6PGD) is a key enzyme in the oxidative portion of the hexose monophosphate shunt. It is specific for oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+). 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase is involved in the production of ribulose 5-phosphate, which is involved in nucleotide synthesis and the pentose phosphate pathway by generating NADPH. 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase is used to study nucleotide synthesis, glucose metabolism, and the protection of cells from oxidative damage
