Non-canonical localization of PKM2 in cancer progression: Mechanism of nuclear translocation

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2019Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Reviews on CancerAuthor(s): Sajid Amin, Peng Yang, Zhuoyu LiAbstractCancer cells upregulate pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2) for their imperiously high energetic and biosynthetic demands to achieve enhanced proliferation, a common fingerprint of all type of cancers. PKM2 was primitively discovered as a cytosolic glycolytic enzyme, now has been extensively reported in non-canonical localizations such as extracellular secretion, mitochondrial localization, nuclear translocation, and exclusively pertained to novel biological functions in recent decades. Hence, such moonlighting functions of PKM2 have opened a new itinerary for cancer researchers. This review highlights the up-to-date moonlighting functions of PKM2 at various subcellular localizations and draws attention to the molecular mechanism of PKM2 translocation from cytosol into the nucleus where it plays crucial roles in cancer progression. Moreover, non-canonical PKM2 in tumor cells could have an important role in resistance acquisition processes against various chemotherapeutic drugs. We finally accentuate on the future perspectives of improving the anticancer therapeutic strategies by targeting PKM2 and associated signaling pathways.
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Reviews on Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research