Pyruvate kinase isregulated in the cell
Case 1:
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) catalyzes the rate-limiting, ATP-generating step of glycolysis in
which phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) is converted to pyruvate. Multiple isoenzymes of
pyruvate kinase exist in mammals: type L, which is found in the liver and kidneys; type
R, which is expressed in erythrocytes; type M1, which is found in tissues such as muscle
and brain; and type M2, which is present in self renewing cells such as embryonic and
adult stem cells.
1. Under normal conditions, describe all the waysin which pyruvate kinase isregulated
in the cell?
Many types of cancer cells are predominantly glycolytic and over express the
oncoprotein MYC. Interestingly, the classical oncoprotein MYC has been found to
promote preferential expression of pyruvate kinase type M2 over pyruvate kinase type M1.
The isoform M2 is characteristically found in a low activity state and is ineffective at promoting glycolysis (When compared to pyruvate kinase type L or type M1).
2. Thislogic seems counter intuitive for a glycolytic tissue. What isthe rationale for