AMPK activators: mechanisms of action and physiological activities

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of energy homeostasis, which coordinates metabolic pathways and thus balances nutrient supply with energy demand. Because of the favorable physiological outcomes of AMPK activation on metabolism, AMPK has been considered to be an important therapeutic target for controlling human diseases including metabolic syndrome and cancer. Thus, activators of AMPK may have potential as novel therapeutics for these diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of both indirect and direct AMPK activators and their modes of action in relation to the structure of AMPK. We discuss the functional differences among isoform-specific AMPK complexes and…

• NR
  National Research Foundation

  Award: 2011-0030072
• NR
  National Research Foundation of Korea

  Awards: 2011-0030072, 2012R1A5A2051387, MEST, No 2012R1A5A2051387