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PEPCK

Meaning

PEPCK, or Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase, is a pivotal, rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes a key, irreversible step in gluconeogenesis, the essential metabolic pathway responsible for synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. This enzyme is crucial for maintaining euglycemia during periods of fasting or caloric restriction, ensuring a steady, necessary supply of glucose for tissues like the brain and red blood cells. Its activity is tightly regulated by hormonal signals, notably being upregulated by cortisol and glucagon and powerfully downregulated by insulin. This positioning places PEPCK at a central nexus of glucose homeostasis and systemic endocrine control, making it a significant therapeutic target in the management of type 2 diabetes.