Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive liver tumor with a unique metabolic profile and a shift to glycolytic metabolism. This review discusses the contribution of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) to HCC development and its potential as a target for therapy. We carried out a broad literature review on PKM2, focusing on its role in the glycolytic pathway and special interactions with key signaling pathways like Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein kinase B/Mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). PKM2 also performs a dual role in energy metabolism and signal transduction in HCC. PKM2 is paramount in the induction of HCC by regulating cellular metabolism and oncogenic signaling pathways. It promotes tumor growth, survival, and metastasis through interaction with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways. PKM2 is a key factor in HCC pathogenesis, with a dual impact on metabolism and signaling. Its properties may open the way for developing novel therapeutic interventions against HCC. Thus, PKM2 inhibition may offer further opportunities for tumor growth blockade, which could meaningfully improve patients’ clinical outcomes.
This review underscores PKM2’s role in HCC development, influencing both glycolytic metabolism and oncogenic signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK. Its regulation of cellular metabolism and interaction with key pathways are vital for HCC progression. Recognizing PKM2’s dual impact presents opportunities for innovative therapeutic strategies. Future research could explore PKM2 inhibition to impede tumor growth and improve HCC patient outcomes, potentially revolutionizing HCC treatment approaches.
Impact Statement
This review underscores PKM2's role in HCC development, influencing both glycolytic metabolism and oncogenic signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK. Its regulation of cellular metabolism and interaction with key pathways are vital for HCC progression. Recognizing PKM2's dual impact presents opportunities for innovative therapeutic strategies. Future research could explore PKM2 inhibition to impede tumor growth and improve HCC patient outcomes, potentially revolutionizing HCC treatment approaches.
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