The PFKM (phosphofructokinase-1 muscle type) antibody is a crucial tool for studying the PFKM enzyme, a subunit of the heterotetrameric phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) complex. PFK-1 is a rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1.6-bisphosphate, a key regulatory step in glycolysis. The PFKM isoform is predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle and plays a vital role in energy metabolism, particularly during anaerobic conditions. Dysregulation of PFKM has been linked to metabolic disorders, cancers, and glycogen storage disease type VII (Tarui disease), a rare inherited condition caused by PFKM mutations.
PFKM antibodies are widely used in research to detect protein expression levels, assess tissue-specific localization (e.g., muscle vs. other tissues), and investigate metabolic reprogramming in diseases like cancer, where altered glycolysis (Warburg effect) is common. These antibodies are validated for techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Researchers also utilize PFKM antibodies to explore therapeutic targets, as modulating glycolytic flux may influence disease progression. Specificity and validation across species (human, mouse, rat) are critical considerations, given the high homology among PFK isoforms (PFKM, PFKL liver type, PFKP platelet type). Overall, PFKM antibodies serve as essential reagents for advancing our understanding of cellular metabolism and its pathological disruptions.