The enzyme participates in the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway, whose main purpose is to produce reducing power and pentose for biosynthetic reactions. Unlike EC 1.1.1.44, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (NADP+-dependent, decarboxylating), it is not specific for NADP+ and can accept both cofactors with similar efficiency. cf. EC 1.1.1.343, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase [NAD+-dependent, decarboxylating].
Purification and properties of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (NADP+/NAD+) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (NADP+/NAD+) from methanol-grown Pseudomonas C.
Identification of an arginine residue in the dual coenzyme-specific glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides that plays a key role in binding NADP+ but not NAD+.