AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)

Article By:

Hardie, D. Grahame Division of Molecular Physiology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.

Last reviewed:October 2019

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.900196

An enzyme that is essential for maintenance of cellular energy balance. All living cells carry out many energy-requiring processes, including growth and division, movement, and uptake of nutrients from their environment. To achieve this, they utilize energy stored in the form of a high intracellular ratio of the adenine nucleotides, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). These compounds can be likened to the chemicals in an electrical cell or battery. The oxidation of food molecules such as glucose or fats (catabolism) [and/or photosynthesis in a photosynthetic organism] “charges up” the battery by converting ADP to ATP, whereas energy-requiring processes tend to “flatten” the battery by converting ATP back to ADP again. For living cells to function smoothly, it is essential that these two processes remain in balance. In eukaryotic cells, one of the principal systems that carry out this task is the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)–activated protein kinase, often referred to by its acronym, AMPK. See also: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP); Biochemistry; Energy metabolism; Homeostasis

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