Synonyms:TKT, TKT1, Transketolase Background:Transketolase is a key pentose phosphate shunt enzyme that plays an important role in the production of reducing equivalents and pentose sugars. Decreased activity of transketolase has been found in patients with Alzheimer's disease and thiamine deficiency. In addition, as an important biocatalyst in stereo-specific carbon-carbon bond synthesis, transketolase has been widely used in industry to produce aromatic products.