These results therefore show that 1) normal brain expresses PKM1 mRNA and protein, but less PKM2 mRNA and protein, which is in turn linked to the high PK activity; 2) all astrocytomas ranging from benign pilocytic astrocytomas to grade IV GBM exhibit a significant decrease in PKM1 protein expression relative to normal brain, which in turn is linked to a low PK activity; 3) GBM are unique in that they exhibit an increase in PKM2 mRNA and protein expression relative to all other grades of glioma. The gene discussed is PKM; the disease is central nervous system cancer.