PKM2, a Central Point of Regulation in Cancer Metabolism

Aerobic glycolysis is the dominant metabolic pathway utilized by cancer cells, owing to its ability to divert glucose metabolites from ATP production towards the synthesis of cellular building blocks (nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids) to meet the demands of proliferation. The M2 isoform of pyruv...

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Main Authors: Nicholas Wong, Jason De Melo, Damu Tang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2013-01-01
Series:International Journal of Cell Biology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/242513
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author Nicholas Wong
Jason De Melo
Damu Tang
author_facet Nicholas Wong
Jason De Melo
Damu Tang
author_sort Nicholas Wong
collection DOAJ
description Aerobic glycolysis is the dominant metabolic pathway utilized by cancer cells, owing to its ability to divert glucose metabolites from ATP production towards the synthesis of cellular building blocks (nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids) to meet the demands of proliferation. The M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) catalyzes the final and also a rate-limiting reaction in the glycolytic pathway. In the PK family, PKM2 is subjected to a complex regulation by both oncogenes and tumour suppressors, which allows for a fine-tone regulation of PKM2 activity. The less active form of PKM2 drives glucose through the route of aerobic glycolysis, while active PKM2 directs glucose towards oxidative metabolism. Additionally, PKM2 possesses protein tyrosine kinase activity and plays a role in modulating gene expression and thereby contributing to tumorigenesis. We will discuss our current understanding of PKM2's regulation and its many contributions to tumorigenesis.
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spelling doaj-art-7db3fa9e83bc409cbd9fa12630c95e5d2025-08-20T02:07:38ZengWileyInternational Journal of Cell Biology1687-88761687-88842013-01-01201310.1155/2013/242513242513PKM2, a Central Point of Regulation in Cancer MetabolismNicholas Wong0Jason De Melo1Damu Tang2Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, CanadaDivision of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, CanadaDivision of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, CanadaAerobic glycolysis is the dominant metabolic pathway utilized by cancer cells, owing to its ability to divert glucose metabolites from ATP production towards the synthesis of cellular building blocks (nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids) to meet the demands of proliferation. The M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) catalyzes the final and also a rate-limiting reaction in the glycolytic pathway. In the PK family, PKM2 is subjected to a complex regulation by both oncogenes and tumour suppressors, which allows for a fine-tone regulation of PKM2 activity. The less active form of PKM2 drives glucose through the route of aerobic glycolysis, while active PKM2 directs glucose towards oxidative metabolism. Additionally, PKM2 possesses protein tyrosine kinase activity and plays a role in modulating gene expression and thereby contributing to tumorigenesis. We will discuss our current understanding of PKM2's regulation and its many contributions to tumorigenesis.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/242513
spellingShingle Nicholas Wong
Jason De Melo
Damu Tang
PKM2, a Central Point of Regulation in Cancer Metabolism
International Journal of Cell Biology
title PKM2, a Central Point of Regulation in Cancer Metabolism
title_full PKM2, a Central Point of Regulation in Cancer Metabolism
title_fullStr PKM2, a Central Point of Regulation in Cancer Metabolism
title_full_unstemmed PKM2, a Central Point of Regulation in Cancer Metabolism
title_short PKM2, a Central Point of Regulation in Cancer Metabolism
title_sort pkm2 a central point of regulation in cancer metabolism
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/242513
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