Nuclear accumulation of pyruvate kinase M2 promotes liver regeneration via activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

Aims: Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a unique isoform of the pyruvate kinases, not only acts as a crucial metabolic enzyme when it locates in the cytoplasm, but also plays important roles in tumor formation and growth when it accumulates in the nuclei. Our aim was to investigate the potential role of PKM2 in liver regeneration in mice insulted with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Material and methods: The liver regeneration model was established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 for 48 h in male BALB/c mice. The expression of PKM2, phospho-STAT3, STAT3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cyclin D1 were evaluated by western blot. The distribution of PKM2 was verified by immunofluorescence staining. The degree of injured region was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The proliferation of liver cells was tested by Immunohistochemistry. Key findings: The nuclear accumulation of PKM2 increased in the liver treated with CCl4, but treatment with ML-265 significantly suppressed CCl4-induced nuclear accumulation of PKM2. In addition, treatment with ML-265 suppressed the level of cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), reduced the count of Ki67-positive hepatocytes, and expanded the damaged region in histological examination. Meanwhile, treatment with ML-265 suppressed the phosphorylation of nuclear signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Inhibition of STAT3 by stattic made the same effects as ML-265. Significance: These data uncovered the role of nuclear PKM2 in liver regeneration and the pro-proliferation effects of nuclear PKM2 may be through targeting its downstream transcription factor STAT3.