Function
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) is part of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This complex is located in the mitochondria and converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA as part of the citric acid cycle. PDK phosphphorylates serine residues on pyruvate dehydrogenase using ATP. There are 4 isozymes of PDK. The isozymes differ in length, activity and phosphorylation sites[1].
- PDK1 is abundant in heart cells.
- PDK2 is abundant in mitochondria.
- PDK3 is abundant in testis.
- PDK4 is abundant in muscle and heart. It is important during starvation for regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenate complex activity and glucose homoeostasis[2]
Relevance
Inhibition of PDK decreases the damage caused by heart ischemia and are used in diabetes and cancer patients[3][4].
Structural highlights
[5]. Water molecules are shown as red spheres. .