Mapping metabolic coevolution identifies c11orf54 as the missing pentose pathway decarboxylase.

Mapping metabolic coevolution identifies c11orf54 as the missing pentose pathway decarboxylase. | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Mapping metabolic coevolution identifies c11orf54 as the missing pentose pathway decarboxylase. Riccardo Percudani, Marco Malatesta, Carlo De Rito, Francesca Gasparini, and 4 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6141043/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Metabolic networks and enzyme-molecule connections are still being elucidated. Here, through systematic analysis of gene loss and gain across the eukaryotic tree, mapped onto metabolic networks, we build a coevolutionary framework of human metabolism. Using this information, we identify unmapped genes in metabolic pathways, leading to the discovery of C11orf54 as the long-missing decarboxylase of the glucuronate/pentose pathway. These findings provide insights into an alternative route for sugar conversion in humans and other metazoans and its connection to L-ascorbate (vitamin C) biosynthesis. More broadly, our approach offers a framework for mapping missing enzymes across species. Biological sciences/Biochemistry/Enzymes Biological sciences/Computational biology and bioinformatics/Biochemical reaction networks Full Text Additional Declarations There is NO Competing Interest. Supplementary Files PentoseFiguressupplight.pdf Extended data Figures 1-18 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6141043","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":426945179,"identity":"2983e9df-b46a-40c9-aeef-31b3d3ac4849","order_by":0,"name":"Riccardo 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