AMP-activated protein kinase regulation and biological actions in the heart

VG Zaha, LH Young - Circulation research, 2012 - Am Heart Assoc
VG Zaha, LH Young
Circulation research, 2012Am Heart Assoc
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a stress-activated kinase that functions as a cellular
fuel gauge and master metabolic regulator. Recent investigation has elucidated novel
molecular mechanisms of AMPK regulation and important biological actions of the AMPK
pathway that are highly relevant to cardiovascular disease. Activation of the intrinsic AMPK
pathway plays an important role in the myocardial response to ischemia, pressure overload,
and heart failure. Pharmacological activation of AMPK shows promise as a therapeutic …
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a stress-activated kinase that functions as a cellular fuel gauge and master metabolic regulator. Recent investigation has elucidated novel molecular mechanisms of AMPK regulation and important biological actions of the AMPK pathway that are highly relevant to cardiovascular disease. Activation of the intrinsic AMPK pathway plays an important role in the myocardial response to ischemia, pressure overload, and heart failure. Pharmacological activation of AMPK shows promise as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of heart disease. The purpose of this review is to assess how recent discoveries have extended and in some cases challenged existing paradigms, providing new insights into the regulation of AMPK, its diverse biological actions, and therapeutic potential in the heart.
Am Heart Assoc