AMP-activated protein kinase: the guardian of cardiac energy status
D. Grahame Hardie
D. Grahame Hardie
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Commentary

AMP-activated protein kinase: the guardian of cardiac energy status

Abstract

Several years ago it was proposed that the AMP-activated protein kinase cascade might protect cells against stresses that deplete cellular ATP. Young et al. have now directly tested this by studying the effects of ischemia and reperfusion in perfused hearts from mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant that suppresses the kinase activity in cardiac muscle. Compared with control hearts, the mutant hearts showed clear evidence for increased necrotic damage and increased apoptosis. These findings may have implications for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Authors

D. Grahame Hardie

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Role of AMPK in regulating energy balance at the whole-body level. Green...
Role of AMPK in regulating energy balance at the whole-body level. Green arrows indicate positive effects, and red lines with bars indicate negative effects. In the hypothalamus, activation of AMPK in response to low glucose or leptin levels increases food intake (18, 19); references for other effects of AMPK activation can be found in recent reviews (1). FA, fatty acid.