The Role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinases in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PDKs (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases) are the regulatory enzymes of PDC (pyruvate dehydrogenase complex), including PDK1, PDK2, PDK3 and PDK4 subtypes. PDC serves as a crucial enzyme in the body that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to form acetyl-CoA. By phosphorylating PDC, PDKs negatively regulate its activity, thereby tightly linking the glycolytic pathway with the tricarboxylic acid cycle to ensure coordination and efficiency in metabolic processes. Tumor growth is closely related to glucose metabolism, and as key enzymes, PDKs exhibit abnormal expression in various types of tumor cells, affecting their proliferation and invasion. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of PDKs in hepatocellular carcinoma remain unclear. This article aims to briefly review the role of PDKs in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing a reference for a deeper understanding of their functions and mechanisms.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2025.01.0016