Purpose Of Review: In red cells, pyruvate kinase is a key enzyme in the final step of glycolytic degradative process, which generates a constant energy supply via ATP production. This commentary discusses recent findings on pyruvate kinase activators as new therapeutic option in hereditary red cell disorders such as thalassemic syndromes or sickle cell disease (SCD).
Recent Findings: Mitapivat and etavopivat are two oral pyruvate kinase activators. Studies in a mouse model for β thalassemia have shown beneficial effects of mitapivat on both red cell survival and ineffective erythropoiesis, with an amelioration of iron homeostasis. This was confirmed in a proof-of-concept study in patients with nontransfusion-dependent thalassemias. Both mitapivat and etavopivat have been evaluated in mouse models for SCD, showing an increased 2-3DPG/ATP ratio and a reduction in haemolysis as well as in sickling. These data were confirmed in proof-of-concept clinical studies with both molecules carried in patients with SCD.
Summary: Preclinical and clinical evidence indicate that pyruvate kinase activators represent new therapeutic option in hemoglobinopathies or SCD. Other red cell disorders such as hereditary spherocytosis or hereditary anaemias characterized by defective erythropoiesis might represent additional areas to investigate the therapeutic impact of pyruvate kinase activators.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MOH.0000000000000758 | DOI Listing |
Stem Cell Reports
December 2024
Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China. Electronic address:
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), the process of generating new neurons from adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs), is crucial for cognitive functions and is influenced by numerous factors, including metabolic processes. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a key rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis, catalyzes the production of pyruvate, which undergoes either oxidative phosphorylation or anaerobic oxidation. We observed that PKM2 is highly expressed in NSPCs, but its significance remains unclear for AHN and cognition.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhytomedicine
December 2024
Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China. Electronic address:
Background: Macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) plays a significant role in the progression of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), making inhibition of MMT a promising therapeutic strategy. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and its metabolite lactate are implicated in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis; however, the mechanisms through which they contribute to this process remain poorly understood.
Purpose: To investigate the effects of PKM2 inhibition by shikonin on renal fibrosis and the underly mechanisms.
Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai)
December 2024
Department of Gastroenterology, Wenzhou Medical University Lishui Hospital, Lishui People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
Glutaminolysis and glycolysis promote the malignant progression of colorectal cancer. The role of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5)-mediated glutaminolysis and glycolysis remains to be elucidated. SLC1A5 and ATF4 expression levels are detected in colorectal cancer tissues.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiotechnol Biofuels Bioprod
December 2024
Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
Background: Clostridium thermocellum is a promising candidate for production of cellulosic biofuels, however, its final product titer is too low for commercial application, and this may be due to thermodynamic limitations in glycolysis. Previous studies in this organism have revealed a metabolic bottleneck at the phosphofructokinase (PFK) reaction in glycolysis. In the wild-type organism, this reaction uses pyrophosphate (PP) as an energy cofactor, which is thermodynamically less favorable compared to reactions that use ATP as a cofactor.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCell Death Dis
December 2024
School of Public Health, Shenzhen University Medical School, 1066 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure has been associated with increased incidence and mortality of lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.
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