PDHK

PDHK (Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase) is a key enzyme that regulates the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), which is essential for converting pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, a critical step linking glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. PDHK inhibits PDC by phosphorylation, thereby controlling the flux of carbon from glycolysis into the mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. This regulation is vital for maintaining energy homeostasis, especially under varying metabolic conditions such as fasting, exercise, or high carbohydrate intake. Dysregulation of PDHK activity is associated with metabolic diseases like diabetes and cancer. PDHK inhibitors are currently being studied for their potential to alter metabolic pathways in disease treatment, highlighting their therapeutic importance.