Decay of mammalian hexokinase: characterization of the specific proteolytic activity.

Hexokinase-degrading activity (HKDA) is associated with hexokinase throughout purification. It is not ubiquitin-dependent. With glucose present, HKDA requires MgATP. It is triggered by removal (or ATP-dependent consumption) of glucose, and masked when glucose is restored. PCMB, TLCK and TPCK suppress hexokinase and activate HKDA. Glucose removal and active-site blockage appear to induce HKDA.