Regulation and Role of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase at the Cellular Level and Relevance to Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Adenosine Mono phosphate -activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a metabolic master switch that senses the cellular AMP levels. However, it is now also regarded as a nutrient-sensing enzyme due to its ability to detect glucose deprivation inside the cell. Under conditions of energy deprivation, AMPK is activated, which in turn switches on all the energy-producing metabolic pathways, while switching off energy-consuming metabolic pathways and cellular processes. There is a growing interest in AMPK due to its role in a wide array of pathological processes including diabetes mellitus. It is the therapeutic target of one of the most commonly prescribed classes of antidiabetic drugs, namely the biguanides such as metformin. The current article presents a review of AMPK structure, triggers, and mechanisms of its activation as well as its role in cell metabolism, mitochondrial homeostasis, autophagy, and cell proliferation. It also briefly addresses the relevance of AMPK to pathogenesis and management of diabetes mellitus.