“PFK-2” typically refers to the family of bifunctional enzymes (commonly known as 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatases or PFKFBs) that regulate the levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate—a critical allosteric activator of glycolysis.
– PFK-2 enzymes catalyze the synthesis of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP), which in turn is a potent activator of phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1), a key rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis.
– Increased activity of PFK-2 contributes to enhanced glycolysis and the diversion of glycolytic intermediates into biosynthetic pathways that support rapid tumor cell growth and proliferation.
– Upregulated glycolysis supports not only energy production but also the generation of precursors needed for nucleotide, amino acid, and lipid synthesis, aiding tumor progression.
– Elevated expression of certain PFK-2 isoforms (notably PFKFB3) has been observed in various cancers such as breast, colorectal, lung, and others.
– High PFK-2 expression is frequently associated with increased glycolytic activity, enhanced cell proliferation, and a shift toward an anabolic phenotype, correlating with more aggressive tumor behavior.
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