PEPCK Assay Kit (Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase also known as PEPCK or PEP carboxykinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate in gluconeogenesis. This enzyme has a mass of approximately 67 kDa and is expressed in tissues such as the liver kidney and adipose tissue. The PEPCK reaction plays a role in metabolic regulation by maintaining glucose homeostasis particularly during fasting.

Biological function summary

PEPCK facilitates the metabolic pathway by converting oxaloacetate into phosphoenolpyruvate a critical step in gluconeogenesis. It exists in two forms: cytosolic PEPCK-C and mitochondrial PEPCK-M allowing the enzyme to operate in distinct cellular compartments. It does not form a complex with other proteins but it does have a significant role in enabling the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources an essential process in energy metabolism.

Pathways

PEPCK participates in gluconeogenesis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It interacts with enzymes such as pyruvate carboxylase which provides oxaloacetate as a substrate in gluconeogenesis. The PEP carboxykinase reaction is central to carbohydrate metabolism linking anabolic and catabolic pathways and ensuring that cellular energy demands are met under varying conditions.

Associated diseases and disorders

PEPCK has associations with diabetes and obesity where its expression levels influence glucose production and insulin sensitivity. Altered PEPCK activity links to metabolic dysregulation which may contribute to hyperglycemia in diabetes. PEPCK is also related to other metabolic enzymes like glucose-6-phosphatase often studied for their roles in metabolic disorders.