AMP-activated/SNF1 protein kinases: conserved guardians of cellular energy

DG Hardie - Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2007 - nature.com
Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2007nature.com
The SNF1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family maintains the balance between ATP
production and consumption in all eukaryotic cells. The kinases are heterotrimers that
comprise a catalytic subunit and regulatory subunits that sense cellular energy levels. When
energy status is compromised, the system activates catabolic pathways and switches off
protein, carbohydrate and lipid biosynthesis, as well as cell growth and proliferation.
Surprisingly, recent results indicate that the AMPK system is also important in functions that …
Abstract
The SNF1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family maintains the balance between ATP production and consumption in all eukaryotic cells. The kinases are heterotrimers that comprise a catalytic subunit and regulatory subunits that sense cellular energy levels. When energy status is compromised, the system activates catabolic pathways and switches off protein, carbohydrate and lipid biosynthesis, as well as cell growth and proliferation. Surprisingly, recent results indicate that the AMPK system is also important in functions that go beyond the regulation of energy homeostasis, such as the maintenance of cell polarity in epithelial cells.
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