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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Methods to Study Mrp4-containing Macromolecular Complexes in the Regulation of Fibroblast Migration
Published on: May 19, 2016
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 expression is synergistically induced by AMP-activated protein kinase and fatty acids
S M Houten1, M Chegary, H Te Brinke
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. s.m.houten@amc.uva.nl
Abstract:
Organs are flexible as to which substrates they will use to maintain energy homeostasis. Under well-fed conditions, glucose is a preferred substrate for oxidation. During fasting, fatty acid oxidation will become a more important energy source. Glucose oxidation is decreased by fatty acids, a process in which the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH) and its regulator pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) play important roles. It is currently unknown how energy status influences PDH activity. We show that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation by hypoxia and AICAR treatment combined with fatty acid administration synergistically induce PDK4 expression. We provide evidence that AMPK activation modulates ligand-dependent activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. Finally, we show that this synergistic induction of PDK4 decreases cellular glucose oxidation. In conclusion, AMPK and fatty acids play a direct role in fuel selection in response to cellular energy status in order to spare glucose.
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