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Reexpression of pyruvate kinase M2 in type 1 myofibers correlates with altered glucose metabolism in myotonic dystrophy.

Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by expansion of CTG repeats in the 3' UTR of the DMPK gene. Expression of CUG expansion (CUG(exp)) RNA produces a toxic gain of function by disrupting the functions of RNA splicing factors, such as MBNL1 and CELF1, leading to splicing changes associated with clinical abnormalities. Progressive skeletal muscle weakness and wasting is one of the most prominent clinical features in DM1; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that the embryonic M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2), a key enzyme contributing to the Warburg effect in cancer, is significantly induced in DM1 tissue and mouse models owing to aberrant splicing. Expression of PKM2 in DM1 skeletal muscle is restricted to the type 1 fibers, which are particularly susceptible to wasting in DM1. Using antisense oligonucleotides to shift PKM splicing toward increased PKM2 expression, we observed increased glucose consumption with reduced oxidative metabolism in cell culture and increased respiratory exchange ratio in mice, suggesting defects in energy metabolism conferred by PKM2 expression. We propose that PKM2 expression induces changes in type 1 fibers associated with muscle atrophy and muscle weakness in DM1.
AuthorsZhihua Gao, Thomas A Cooper
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A) Vol. 110 Issue 33 Pg. 13570-5 (Aug 13 2013) ISSN: 1091-6490 [Electronic] United States
PMID23901116 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense
  • Lactic Acid
  • Pyruvate Kinase
  • Glucose
Topics
  • Alternative Splicing (genetics)
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Calorimetry, Indirect
  • Cell Line
  • Energy Metabolism (genetics)
  • Glucose (metabolism)
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lactic Acid (metabolism)
  • Mice
  • Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch (metabolism, pathology)
  • Myotonic Dystrophy (enzymology)
  • Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense (genetics)
  • Oxygen Consumption (physiology)
  • Pyruvate Kinase (metabolism)
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

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