AMPK Pathway

Cellular energy sensor activating catabolic and inhibiting anabolic pathways.

Overview

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated by increased AMP:ATP ratio during energy stress. Active AMPK promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis while inhibiting fatty acid synthesis, protein synthesis (via mTORC1 inhibition), and gluconeogenesis. AMPK is activated by upstream kinases LKB1 and CaMKKβ.

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm

Clinical Significance

Master metabolic switch; activated by metformin and exercise; tumor suppressive via LKB1; therapeutic target for diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

Key Molecules

AMP ADP ATP AMPK (α/β/γ subunits)LKB1 CaMKKβ ACC mTORC1

Key Enzymes

AMPKα1/α2 LKB1 CaMKKβ ACC1/2 (target)ULK1 (target)

Related Pathways

PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Regulates cell survival, growth, and metabolism via phosphoinositide signaling.

β-Oxidation of Fatty Acids

Sequential removal of 2-carbon units from fatty acids as acetyl-CoA.

Autophagy

Self-digestion pathway recycling cellular components via lysosomal degradation.