TKTL1
The Gene That Changed Everything
Discovered by Dr Johannes Coy in 1995, TKTL1 (Transketolase-like 1) is far more than just a gene – it’s the missing link connecting our evolutionary past with the future of health.
Recognised as one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of our time, TKTL1 is now understood as a master regulator of metabolism, immunity, and cellular growth.
In 2022, Nobel Prize winner Svante Pääbo and researchers from the Max Planck Society revealed that a single amino acid change in TKTL1 gave modern humans a decisive edge over archaic humans. This tiny genetic tweak accelerated brain development, resulting in more neurons, increased cortical folding, and ultimately, superior cognitive abilities – the very foundation of what makes us uniquely human.
But TKTL1’s story goes beyond the brain. It reaches deep into our cells, shaping how we live, grow, heal, and survive.
The Powerhouse of Modern Metabolism
The TKTL1 metabolic pathway drives the pentose phosphate pathway, unlocking a remarkable ability to speed up cell growth, produce essential nucleotides for DNA and RNA, neutralise oxidative stress, and evade immune detection – a key tactic used by cancer cells.
This underpins aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, a metabolic strategy adopted by tumours, stem cells, and immune cells to thrive and adapt under stress.
Recent research has also highlighted TKTL1’s vital role in the immune system, especially in cancer and infections. These findings mark a paradigm shift, placing TKTL1 at the crossroads of metabolism, immunity, and chronic disease.
An Evolutionary Game-Changer
From an evolutionary perspective, the emergence of TKTL1’s phosphoketolase enzyme activity was groundbreaking.
It enabled mammals to evolve with a smarter, more flexible metabolism which is perfectly suited for survival in a rapidly changing world. What was once dismissed as inefficient – fermenting glucose into lactic acid – is now recognised as a brilliant evolutionary advantage.
Thanks to TKTL1, cells can generate energy while simultaneously producing new cells, a critical system for development, healing, and responding to disease.
Beyond science, TKTL1 represents the start of a new health paradigm, rooted in evolutionary brilliance and driven by today’s scientific discoveries.
Find out more about how we harness TKTL1 for our solution
Diagnostics
The world’s first blood test for the early detection of all cancers.
Sugars
Natural sugars that improve everyday well-being.
Pharma
Research and development of a prodrug to improve cancer treatment success rates.
Find out more about how we harness TKTL1 for our solution
Diagnostics
The world’s first blood test for the early detection of all cancers.
Sugars
Natural sugars that improve everyday well-being.
Pharma
Research and development of a prodrug to improve cancer treatment success rates.
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