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Targeting pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) in cancer: What do we know so far?

Abu Sufiyan Chhipa1, Snehal Patel1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Life Sciences
|June 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Targeting pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) in cancer metabolism shows promise, but recent findings reveal complex roles for PKM2 and PKM1, necessitating a reevaluation of anticancer strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Metabolism

Background:

  • Cancer cells exhibit metabolic reprogramming for proliferation.
  • Pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) is a key glycolytic enzyme implicated in cancer growth.
  • PKM2's role in cancer is complex, with recent conflicting evidence regarding its oncogenic functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide current updates on targeting PKM2 in cancer therapy.
  • To discuss contradictory findings on the roles of PKM2 and PKM1 isoforms in cancer.
  • To re-evaluate strategies for targeting cancer metabolism via PKM isoforms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on PKM2 and PKM1 in cancer.
  • Analysis of contradictory evidence regarding PKM isoform functions.
  • Synthesis of information on PKM2 modulation for cancer control.

Main Results:

  • PKM2 plays multifaceted roles in cancer progression beyond its metabolic functions.
  • Conflicting data exists on the oncogenic potential of PKM2.
  • PKM1 isoform also demonstrates cancer-promoting roles in specific contexts.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting PKM2 activity has shown potential in cancer control, but its complex roles require careful consideration.
  • Both PKM1 and PKM2 isoforms may contribute to cancer development.
  • Revisiting approaches to target cancer metabolism through PKM isoforms is crucial for developing novel anticancer therapies.
Keywords:
CancerCancer metabolismPKM1PKM2Pyruvate kinase

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