Overexpressed PKM2 promotes macrophage phagocytosis and atherosclerosis

The expression of pyruvate kinase muscle 2 (PKM2) is augmented in macrophages of patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. The role of PKM2 in atherosclerosis is to be determined.Global and myeloid cell-specific PKM2 knock-in mice with ApoEOxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) upregulated PKM2 in macrophages. PKM2 in return promoted the uptake of oxLDL by macrophages. Overexpressed PKM2 accelerated atherosclerosis in mice. SKN blocked the progress of mouse atherosclerosis.PKM2 accelerates macrophage phagocytosis and atherosclerosis. Targeting PKM2 is a potential therapy for atherosclerosis.