From the Research
Bisphosphoglycerate mutase (BPGM) is the enzyme responsible for enhancing oxygen delivery to the fetus by catalyzing the formation of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG), a ligand of hemoglobin that facilitates the liberation of oxygen from hemoglobin at low oxygen tension. The role of BPGM in oxygen delivery to the fetus is supported by studies that have shown its expression in the placenta and its importance in maintaining placental oxygenation 1, 2. Key points about BPGM and its role in oxygen delivery to the fetus include:
- BPGM catalyzes the formation of 2,3-BPG, which binds to hemoglobin and reduces its affinity for oxygen, thereby facilitating the release of oxygen to tissues 3.
- The expression of BPGM in the placenta is critical for maintaining placental oxygenation and supporting fetal growth 1, 2.
- BPGM has been shown to be present in the syncytiotrophoblast layer of the placental villi, where it plays a key role in regulating oxygen delivery to the fetus 2. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2020, which demonstrated that maternal erythrocyte equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (eENT1)-mediated AMPK activation counteracts placental hypoxia and supports fetal growth by regulating BPGM activity and 2,3-BPG production 3. Other studies have also investigated the structure and function of BPGM, including its activation by 2-phosphoglycolate and its role in regulating 2,3-BPG levels in red blood cells 4, 5. However, the study by 3 provides the most recent and comprehensive insight into the role of BPGM in oxygen delivery to the fetus, highlighting its importance in maintaining placental oxygenation and supporting fetal growth.