PKM2 is a key regulator of cardiac lipid metabolism in mice.

ABSTRACT: Deficiencies in lipid metabolism can have severe consequences for cardiac function. We previously showed that regulating glucose flux by pyruvate kinase 2 (PKM2) affects lipid synthesis and droplet abundance in cardiomyocytes. This study aims to examine how PKM2 regulates lipid metabolism in the heart. Indirect calorimetry suggested similar whole-body metabolism of PKM2 knockout (PKM2^-/-) and control (PKM2^fl/fl) young mice (2-3 months), but indicated that lipids were utilized to a greater degree in aged (1-year) PKM2^-/- mice compared to controls. Metabolic chamber studies also revealed an overall negative energy balance that contributed to reduced exercise tolerance in aged PKM2^-/- mice. Metabolomics showed substantially lower carnitine levels in

SUBMITTER: Lee KCY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12393220 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature