Data for the article: Activation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase increases intracellular glucose levels in podocytes under hyperglycemic conditions

Data for the manuscript entitled: Activation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase increases intracellular glucose levels in podocytes under hyperglycemic conditions.This data set accompanies a study investigating the gluconeogenic potential of podocytes and the impact of high glucose (HG) conditions on their metabolic profile. The study demonstrates that podocytes express key gluconeogenic enzymes at both mRNA and protein levels, including cytosolic and mitochondrial isoforms of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK). Exposure to HG increases PCK activity, leading to reduced intracellular oxaloacetate levels, elevated intracellular glucose content, and enhanced glucose efflux. PCK inhibition in hyperglycemic podocytes alters metabolic flux, increasing lactate levels, decreasing glycogen content, and restoring hexokinase and pyruvate kinase activities, suggesting a shift toward glycolysis. Overall, the data indicate that HG-induced activation of PCK may enhance gluconeogenesis in podocytes, contributing to intracellular glucose overload and metabolic dysfunction relevant to diabetic kidney disease.