PKM2: A novel helmsman of lipid metabolism.

PKM2 is an isoform of pyruvate kinase, which has low catalytic activity and is abundantly present in rapidly proliferating cells. Numerous studies have demonstrated the important role of PKM2 in diseases such as cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis and other abnormalities of lipid metabolism. In this paper, we review the roles played by PKM2 in different pathways of lipid metabolism, and suggest that PKM2 may be a potential therapeutic target in disorders of lipid metabolism. In addition, this review introduces common PKM2 intervention modalities, aiming to provide new possibilities for targeting PKM2 in the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders-related diseases.