The 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase: Regulating the ebb and flow of cellular energetics
Karagounis, Leonidas G. Hawley, John Alan
Karagounis, Leonidas G.
Hawley, John Alan
Abstract
The 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric, evolutionary conserved enzyme which has emerged as a critical regulator of skeletal muscle cellular bioenergetics. AMPK is activated by both chemical (adipokines) and mechanical (stretch, contraction) stimuli leading to metabolic changes within muscle cells that include increased fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake and glycolysis, as well as the stimulation and regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. Collectively these acute responses and chronic adaptations act to reduce cellular disturbances, resulting in tighter metabolic control and maintenance of energy homeostasis. This brief review will describe the structure, function and activation of AMPK in skeletal muscle and how this ubiquitous molecule may be a plausible target for the treatment of several lifestyle-related metabolic disorders.
Keywords
AICAR, AMPK, exercise, fatty acids, GLUT-4, glycogen, muscle
Date
2009
Type
Journal article
Journal
The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Book
Volume
41
Issue
12
Page Range
2360-2363
Article Number
ACU Department
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences