Functions of Creatine Kinase
2011

Analyzing the Functional Properties of the Creatine Kinase System with Multiscale Modeling

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hettling Hannes, van Beek Johannes HGM

Primary Institution: VU University Amsterdam

Hypothesis

The phosphocreatine shuttle hypothesis states that mitochondrial and cytosolic CK plays a pivotal role in the transport of high-energy phosphate groups from mitochondria to myofibrils in contracting muscle.

Conclusion

The study indicates that the main function of CK in heart muscle is to serve as a temporal energy buffer for ATP and ADP, rather than as a significant transporter of high-energy phosphate groups.

Supporting Evidence

  • CK inhibition by 98% in silico leads to an increase in amplitude of mitochondrial ATP synthesis pulsation.
  • CK acts as a large bandwidth high-capacity temporal energy buffer maintaining cellular ATP homeostasis.
  • Only 15±8% of transcytosolic energy transport is carried by phosphocreatine.

Takeaway

This study looks at how creatine kinase helps muscles get energy. It shows that instead of moving energy around, it mostly helps keep energy levels steady.

Methodology

The study used a mathematical model to analyze energy transport and damping of ATP hydrolysis during the cardiac cycle, based on multiscale data from isolated enzymes and mitochondria.

Limitations

The contribution of CK to the transport of high-energy phosphate groups appears limited, and the model predictions are sensitive to parameter values.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

15±8%

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002130

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