Function
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) is part of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This complex is located in the mitochondria and converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA as part of the citric acid cycle. PDK phosphphorylates serine residues on pyruvate dehydrogenase using ATP. There are 4 isozymes of PDK. The isozymes differ in length, activity and phosphorylation sites[1]. PDK1 is abundant in heart cells. PDK2 is abundant in mitochondria. PDK3 is abundant in testis. PDK4 is abundant in muscle and heart.
Relevance
Inhibition of PDK decreases the damage caused by heart ischemia and are used in diabetes and cancer patients[2][3].
Structural highlights
[4]. Water molecules are shown as red spheres. .