Catalyzes the phosphorylation of hexose, such as D-glucose and D-fructose, to hexose 6-phosphate (D-glucose 6-phosphate and D-fructose 6-phosphate, respectively) ( ). Mediates the initial step of glycolysis by catalyzing phosphorylation of D-glucose to D-glucose 6-phosphate . Plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane by preventing the release of apoptogenic molecules from the intermembrane space and subsequent apoptosis .
Subcellular locations: Mitochondrion outer membrane, Cytoplasm, Cytosol
The mitochondrial-binding peptide (MBP) region promotes association with the mitochondrial outer membrane . The interaction with the mitochondrial outer membrane via the mitochondrial-binding peptide (MBP) region promotes higher stability of the protein . Release from the mitochondrial outer membrane into the cytosol induces permeability transition pore (PTP) opening and apoptosis .
Predominant hexokinase isozyme expressed in insulin-responsive tissues such as skeletal muscle.