GK2
Function
Key enzyme in the regulation of glycerol uptake and metabolism. Essential for male fertility and sperm mitochondrial sheath formation (By similarity). Required for proper arrangement of crescent-like mitochondria to form the mitochondrial sheath during spermatogenesis (By similarity). Can induce mitochondrial clustering through interactions with PLD6 and up-regulation of phosphatidic acid synthesis in the mitochondria (PubMed:28852571).
Pathway
Polyol metabolism; glycerol degradation via glycerol kinase pathway; sn-glycerol 3-phosphate from glycerol: step 1/1.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the FGGY kinase family.
Tissue Specificity
Testis-specific (PubMed:33536340). Expressed in the midpiece of spermatozoa (PubMed:28852571).
Cellular localization
- Mitochondrion outer membrane
- Single-pass type IV membrane protein
- Cytoplasm
- In sperm the majority of the enzyme is bound to mitochondria.
Alternative names
GKP2, GKTA, GK2, Glycerol kinase 2, GK 2, Glycerokinase 2, ATP:glycerol 3-phosphotransferase 2