Mutations in the PKM2 exon-10 region are associated with reduced allostery and increased nuclear translocation

Commun Biol. 2019 Mar 15:2:105. doi: 10.1038/s42003-019-0343-4. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

PKM2 is a key metabolic enzyme central to glucose metabolism and energy expenditure. Multiple stimuli regulate PKM2's activity through allosteric modulation and post-translational modifications. Furthermore, PKM2 can partner with KDM8, an oncogenic demethylase and enter the nucleus to serve as a HIF1α co-activator. Yet, the mechanistic basis of the exon-10 region in allosteric regulation and nuclear translocation remains unclear. Here, we determined the crystal structures and kinetic coupling constants of exon-10 tumor-related mutants (H391Y and R399E), showing altered structural plasticity and reduced allostery. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed increased interaction with KDM8 for H391Y, R399E, and G415R. We also found a higher degree of HIF1α-mediated transactivation activity, particularly in the presence of KDM8. Furthermore, overexpression of PKM2 mutants significantly elevated cell growth and migration. Together, PKM2 exon-10 mutations lead to structure-allostery alterations and increased nuclear functions mediated by KDM8 in breast cancer cells. Targeting the PKM2-KDM8 complex may provide a potential therapeutic intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Allosteric Regulation
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Exons*
  • Histone Demethylases / chemistry
  • Histone Demethylases / genetics
  • Histone Demethylases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Protein Conformation
  • Thyroid Hormone-Binding Proteins
  • Thyroid Hormones / chemistry*
  • Thyroid Hormones / genetics*
  • Thyroid Hormones / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Histone Demethylases
  • KDM8 protein, human