On the developmental properties and tissue interactions of hexokinase

Abstract

The interactions of the isozymes of hexokinase with cellular structure have been studied in the major tissues of the mouse during development. Overall, these data provide a clear indication that interactions between hexokinase and cellular structure are appreciable in all major tissues and at all stages of development, and an analysis of the isozyme status of the enzyme in both soluble and bound compartments has been effected. Further evidence in support of the already well documented interaction of hexokinase I to subcellular material in adult brain and kidney tissues is provided and extended to show that such interactions are extensive in both these tissues throughout development. In addition, evidence is provided that considerable hexokinase II activity is present in mouse foetal tissues in both the soluble and bound fractions and this isozyme is also shown to be the predominant "bound" form of the enzyme in adult skeletal muscle. By contrast, hexokinase III and IV are shown to be largely located in the cytosolic fraction of liver. The metabolic implications of these enzyme-structural interactions during development are discussed, as is the possibility of a functional linkage between hexokinase, which is bound to the mitochondria, and other enzymic components of the glycolytic sequence.