title: Rocking cell metabolism: revised functions of the key glycolytic regulator PKM2 in cancer.
abstract: Cancer cell metabolism is exemplified by high glucose consumption and lactate production. Pyruvate kinase (PK), which catalyzes the final step of glycolysis, has emerged as a potential regulator of this metabolic phenotype. The M2 isoform of PK (PKM2) is highly expressed in cancer cells. However, the mechanisms by which PKM2 coordinates high energy requirements with high anabolic activities to support cancer cell proliferation are still not completely understood. Current research has elucidated novel regulatory mechanisms for PKM2, contributing to its important role in cancer. This review summarizes the current understanding and explores future directions in the field, highlighting controversies regarding the activity and specificity of PKM2 in cancer. In light of this knowledge, the potential therapeutic implications and strategies are critically discussed.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Research UK, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Switchback Road, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chaneton
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gottlieb
mesh_terms: D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006019:Glycolysis; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010766:Phosphorylation; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D000097810:Thyroid Hormone-Binding Proteins
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000097810:Thyroid Hormone-Binding Proteins