Normal Function
The PFKM gene provides instructions for making one piece (the PFKM subunit) of an enzyme called phosphofructokinase. This enzyme plays a role in the breakdown of a complex sugar called glycogen, which is a major source of stored energy in the body. The phosphofructokinase enzyme is made up of four subunits and is found in a variety of tissues. Different combinations of subunits are found in different tissues. In muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles), the phosphofructokinase enzyme is composed solely of subunits produced from the PFKM gene.
The cells' main source of energy is stored as glycogen. Glycogen can be broken down rapidly into the simple sugar glucose when energy is needed, for instance to maintain normal blood glucose levels between meals or for energy during exercise. Phosphofructokinase composed of PFKM subunits is involved in the sequence of events that breaks down glycogen to provide energy to muscle cells. Specifically, the enzyme converts a molecule called fructose-6-phosphate to a molecule called fructose 1,6-bisphosphate.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Glycogen storage disease type VII
At least 20 mutations in the PFKM gene have been found to cause glycogen storage disease type VII (GSDVII). This condition is characterized by an inability to break down glycogen in muscle cells, resulting in muscle cramps and weakness that can vary in severity among affected individuals. PFKM gene mutations that cause GSDVII result in the production of PFKM subunits that have little or no function. One PFKM gene mutation accounts for most cases of GSDVII in people with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. This mutation (written as IVS5+1G>A) results in a small deletion of genetic material within the gene, which alters the way the gene's instructions are pieced together and causes a nonfunctional subunit to be produced.
Without functional PFKM subunits, no functional phosphofructokinase is formed in skeletal muscles and glycogen cannot be completely broken down. Partially broken down glycogen builds up in muscle cells. Muscles that do not have access to glycogen as an energy source become weakened and cramped following moderate strain, such as exercise, and in some cases, begin to break down. In other tissues, other subunits that make up the phosphofructokinase enzyme likely compensate for the lack of PFKM subunits, and the enzyme is able to retain some function. This compensation may help explain why other tissues are not affected by PFKM gene mutations. It is unclear why some individuals with GSDVII are more severely affected than others.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase
- 6-phosphofructokinase, muscle type
- K6PF_HUMAN
- PFK-1
- PFK-A
- PFK1
- PFKA
- PFKX
- phosphofructo-1-kinase isozyme A
- phosphofructokinase 1
- phosphofructokinase, polypeptide X
- phosphofructokinase-M
- phosphohexokinase
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Bruser A, Kirchberger J, Kloos M, Strater N, Schoneberg T. Functional linkage of adenine nucleotide binding sites in mammalian muscle 6-phosphofructokinase. J Biol Chem. 2012 May 18;287(21):17546-17553. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.347153. Epub 2012 Apr 3. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Schoneberg T, Kloos M, Bruser A, Kirchberger J, Strater N. Structure and allosteric regulation of eukaryotic 6-phosphofructokinases. Biol Chem. 2013 Aug;394(8):977-93. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2013-0130. Citation on PubMed
- Vives-Corrons JL, Koralkova P, Grau JM, Manu Pereira Mdel M, Van Wijk R. First description of phosphofructokinase deficiency in spain: identification of a novel homozygous missense mutation in the PFKM gene. Front Physiol. 2013 Dec 30;4:393. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00393. eCollection 2013. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.