PDK1: one abbreviation, two kinases, relentless confusion

Abstract The abbreviation PDK1 may refer to two different proteins: pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1. This overlap introduces ambiguity, making it challenging to discern which protein is being referenced. Here, we highlight widespread confusion surrounding PDK1, including cases where articles have stated incorrect antibodies, referred to incorrect sequences for PCR, gene silencing, or plasmid construction, merged the properties of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1, or incorrectly cited the other protein. Notably, 19 % of articles with the term “PDK1” on PubMed, published between 2019 and the middle of 2025, contain at least one such mistake. This ambiguity extends beyond the scientific literature to websites of biotechnology providers and vendors, where antibodies or recombinant proteins are misattributed. To mitigate this issue, the use of unique protein abbreviations, clear antibody and sequence identification, and a more rigorous peer review process are needed.