Rpi is involved in D-allose metabolism by converting D-ribose-5-phosphate to D-ribulose-5-phosphate and vice versa in a branch of the pentose phosphate pathway
the cytosolic ribose-5-phosphate isomerase catalyzes the reversible interconversion of ribulose-5-phosphate and ribose-5-phosphate in the non-oxidative phase of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, which is part of central metabolism
two evolutionary distinct forms of the enzyme, RpiA and RpiB, with different amino acid sequences and molecular weights exist, that both catalyze the reversible conversion of ribose 5-phosphate to ribulose 5-phosphate. RpiA is found in the bacterial, plant and animal kingdoms, whereas RpiB is less widespread and is found in bacterial sources
gene is essential for parasite survival. Mutant promastigotes complemented with an episomal copy of RpiB carrying a mutation that abolishes isomerase activity exhibit no defect in growth, metacyclogenesis or macrophage infection. An impairment in intracellular amastigotes' replication is observed in these mutants, and mice infected withthe mutants have a reduced parasite burden in the liver
knockdown or genomic deletion of RPIA results in an increase of ATG4B proteases-mediated processing of autosome marker protein LC3 and in the appearance of LC3-positive autophagosomes in cells. Increased LC3 processing upon knockdown of RPIA can be reversed by treatment with N-acetyl cysteine