Transaldolase (TALDO1) belongs to the transaldolase family of Type 1 subfamily. TALDO1 is expressed selectively in oligodendrocytes of the brain. TALDO1 is a key enzyme of the nonoxidative pentose phosphate pathway providing ribose-5-phosphate for nucleic acid synthesis and NADPH for lipid biosynthesis. This pathway can also maintain glutathione at a reduced state and thus protect sulfhydryl groups and cellular integrity from oxygen radicals. TALDO1 deficiency results in telangiectases of the skin, hepatosplenomegaly and enlarged clitoris.
