TKTL2 (transketolase like 2) is a functional transketolase enzyme that plays important roles in cellular metabolism and cancer biology. Structural analysis demonstrates that TKTL2 can assume a folded structure similar to the canonical transketolase (TKT), with appropriate binding sites for thiamine pyrophosphate cofactor and substrate, confirming its enzymatic functionality 1. TKTL2 participates in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), catalyzing key reactions that produce NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate, which are essential for nucleotide synthesis and maintaining cellular redox balance 2. In cancer contexts, TKTL2 expression is elevated in various malignancies including colon cancer, where it serves as a potential cancer-testis antigen biomarker 3. High TKTL2 expression is associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, particularly those with advanced-stage disease and TP53 mutations 4. The enzyme's role extends beyond human cancer, as viral pathogens can hijack TKTL2 function through direct protein interactions to enhance viral replication by boosting PPP flux 2. Together with TKT and TKTL1, TKTL2 represents a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment due to its involvement in metabolic reprogramming that supports tumor growth and progression 5.