Alpha-enolase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the glycolysis pathway, which is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy. It catalyzes the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate, facilitating the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This enzyme is found in various tissues, including muscle and brain, highlighting its importance in energy metabolism. In addition to its metabolic functions, alpha-enolase has been implicated in other biological processes, such as cell signaling and immune response. It can also act as a moonlighting protein, meaning it has multiple functions beyond its enzymatic activity, including roles in cell adhesion and inflammation.