Description
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) is a key glycolytic enzyme and plays a major regulatory role during glycolysis. This enzyme is present in bacteria, plants and animals. There are 2 types of PFKs-PFK1 and PFK2. In the presence of ATP, PFK1 & PFK2 catalyzes the conversion of fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-diphosphate and fructose-2,6-diphosphate respectively and ADP. PFK has 3 major isoforms in mammals: PFK-M (muscle), PFK-L (liver) and PFK-P (platelet). In humans, PFK deficiency causes glycogen storage disease, also called Tarui"s disease, which is characterized by exercise-induced muscle weakness and cramps. On the other hand, increased PFK activity contributes to cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity. Early detection of abnormal phosphofructokinase activity is crucial for diagnosis, prediction and therapeutic strategy