PKM antibodies are essential tools in studying the pyruvate kinase muscle (PKM) isoforms, PKM1 and PKM2. which are splice variants of the *PKM* gene. These isoforms play pivotal roles in glycolysis, catalyzing the final step to produce ATP. PKM1. constitutively active as a tetramer, is predominant in tissues with high energy demands, such as muscle and brain. PKM2. expressed in proliferating cells (e.g., embryonic, stem, and cancer cells), exists in dynamic monomer-tetramer equilibria, allowing metabolic flexibility. Its tetrameric form supports glycolysis, while monomeric PKM2 can translocate to the nucleus, regulating gene transcription and promoting cell proliferation.
PKM antibodies are widely used to distinguish between PKM1 and PKM2 due to their distinct roles in health and disease. In cancer research, PKM2 is a biomarker of tumor metabolism, as many cancers exhibit a shift to PKM2 expression, facilitating the Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis). Antibodies targeting PKM2 help assess its expression, localization, and post-translational modifications, aiding in understanding tumor progression and therapeutic targeting. Conversely, PKM1-specific antibodies are valuable in studying normal metabolic regulation or tissue-specific functions.
These antibodies are employed in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, enabling researchers to explore PKM isoform dynamics in metabolic disorders, cancer, and stem cell biology. Their development and validation remain critical for advancing studies on cellular metabolism and disease mechanisms.