PFKFB4

6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4 also known as PFKFB4 is an is_associated_with::enzyme which in humans is encoded by the PFKFB4 gene.

Function
The bifunctional 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase /fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB) regulates the steady-state concentration of is_associated_with::fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, an activator of a key regulatory enzyme of is_associated_with::glycolysis, is_associated_with::phosphofructokinase.

Latest research made by scientists at Cancer Research UK’s London Research Institute show that an enzyme called PFKFB4 is essential for balancing these two processes – making sure the cell’s energy needs are met without allowing free radicals to build up and trigger cell death. Study leader Dr. Almut Schulze, said: “Our study suggests that PFKFB4 acts to fine-tune the process by which cells convert glucose into energy. Blocking this enzyme in prostate cancer cells grown in the lab stalled growth and triggered a catastrophic build-up of free-radicals, suggesting that it could be a suitable drug target. Importantly, this route to energy production is common to many different types of cancer, suggesting that drugs to target it could potentially be used to treat a variety of cancers.”