PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Sukriti Krishan
AU  - Des R. Richardson
AU  - Sumit Sahni
TI  - Adenosine Monophosphate–Activated Kinase and Its Key Role in Catabolism: Structure, Regulation, Biological Activity, and Pharmacological Activation
AID  - 10.1124/mol.114.095810
DP  - 2015 Mar 01
TA  - Molecular Pharmacology
PG  - 363--377
VI  - 87
IP  - 3
4099  - http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/87/3/363.short
4100  - http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/87/3/363.full
SO  - Mol Pharmacol2015 Mar 01; 87
AB  - Adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor, which once activated, plays a role in several processes within the cell to restore energy homeostasis. The protein enhances catabolic pathways, such as β-oxidation and autophagy, to generate ATP, and inhibits anabolic processes that require energy, including fatty acid, cholesterol, and protein synthesis. Due to its key role in the regulation of critical cellular pathways, deregulation of AMPK is associated with the pathology of many diseases, including cancer, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. In fact, AMPK is a target of some pharmacological agents implemented in the treatment of diabetes (metformin and thiazolidinediones) as well as other naturally derived products, such as berberine, which is used in traditional medicine. Due to its critical role in the cell and the pathology of several disorders, research into developing AMPK as a therapeutic target is becoming a burgeoning and exciting field of pharmacological research. A profound understanding of the regulation and activity of AMPK would enhance its development as a promising therapeutic target.