Nuclear translocation of PKM2 mediates keratinocyte metabolic reprogramming in psoriasis

Abstract

PKM2 mediates the Warburg effects and is crucial for tumorigenesis, but its role in hyperplastic skin disorders remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the function of PKM2 in psoriatic keratinocytes. We found that PKM2 expression and its nuclear translocation were induced in the epidermis of psoriasis patients, contributing to aerobic glycolysis and cell growth. Moreover, mass spectrometry combined with immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that PKM2 could interact with TRIM33, an E3 ubiquitin ligase in the nucleus, and this interaction is critical for the nuclear retention of PKM2. As a result of TRIM33-mediated ubiquitination, PKM2 nuclear protein kinase function is promoted, thus leading to the phosphorylation of STAT3. In addition, blocking PKM2 nuclear translocation abrogated TRIM33-triggered glycolysis and cell proliferation in keratinocytes. Taken together, our experiments demonstrate that ubiquitination regulates the nuclear retention of PKM2 in keratinocytes. Moreover, our results highlight a novel mechanism accounting for the metabolic reprogramming of keratinocytes in psoriasis patients.