MEDICAL EDUCATION BUILDING, ROOM 315 and ZOOM
Department of Cell & Molecular Biology
Regulation of Cardiac Metabolism and Inflammation by Pyruvate Kinase Muscle Isoform 2
Abstract
In the heart, the substantial amount of energy needed for contraction is supplied by metabolism of a wide range of substrates. Metabolic dysfunction reduces energy production and also enhances oxidative stress. The glycolytic
enzyme, pyruvate kinase (muscle isoform 2, PKM2), has emerged as a potential therapeutic target to reduce oxidative stress in the heart. The aim of this study is to elucidate its physiological role in the healthy and ischemic heart. Our lab has identified dysregulation of energy consumption, glucose and lipid flux, and elevated oxidative stress in global PKM2 knockout mice (PKM2-/-). These metabolic changes impaired cardiac function. We also provide evidence of enhanced cardiac and systemic inflammation in these mice. These factors may have contributed to aggravated fibrosis following myocardial infarction and high fat diet. Our study demonstrates important roles for PKM2 in the unstressed heart in regulating energy production, oxidative stress, and cardiac inflammation. These functions carry over to the stressed heart and show that PKM2 can limit cardiac remodeling during ischemia and metabolic stress.
Katie Lee
PH.D. CANDIDATE
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM HST
HYBRID (IN-PERSON AND ZOOM)
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