HK2 Human
Description
HXK2 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hexokinase-2 is encoded by the HK2 gene located on chromosome 2 . The enzyme has a molecular mass of approximately 102 kDa and is composed of two main domains: the N-terminal and C-terminal domains. These domains are responsible for binding glucose and ATP, respectively, and catalyzing the phosphorylation reaction .
The recombinant form of Hexokinase-2 is produced using E. coli expression systems and is often tagged with a 6-His tag for purification purposes . This recombinant enzyme is used in various research applications, including studies on glucose metabolism, cancer metabolism, and metabolic disorders.
Hexokinase-2 is a key regulator of glucose metabolism. It catalyzes the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, which is a critical step in glycolysis and other metabolic pathways . This phosphorylation reaction adds a phosphate group to glucose, making it more difficult for the molecule to exit the cell and thus trapping it inside for further metabolism .
In addition to its role in glycolysis, Hexokinase-2 is also involved in other metabolic pathways, such as the pentose phosphate pathway and glycogen synthesis. Its activity is regulated by various factors, including glucose and ATP concentrations, as well as interactions with other proteins and cellular structures .
Hexokinase-2 has been implicated in several diseases, including cancer and metabolic disorders. In cancer cells, HK2 is often overexpressed, leading to increased glycolysis and glucose uptake, a phenomenon known as the "Warburg effect" . This metabolic reprogramming supports the rapid growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
In metabolic disorders such as diabetes, alterations in HK2 expression and activity can affect glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity . Understanding the role of Hexokinase-2 in these diseases can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies.
Recombinant Hexokinase-2 is widely used in research to study its biochemical properties, regulatory mechanisms, and role in various diseases. It is also used in drug discovery and development, particularly in screening for inhibitors that can modulate its activity .
The recombinant enzyme is typically supplied as a purified protein in a buffer solution containing stabilizing agents such as Tris, NaCl, DTT, glucose, and glycerol . It is important to store the enzyme under appropriate conditions to maintain its stability and activity.
