AMPK

AMPK, or AMP-activated protein kinase, is a crucial enzyme that plays a pivotal role in cellular energy homeostasis. It acts as an energy sensor, activated when cellular energy levels are low, indicated by high levels of AMP or ADP compared to ATP. Once activated, AMPK initiates a range of metabolic processes to increase energy production and decrease energy consumption. It enhances glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and the biogenesis of mitochondria while inhibiting anabolic processes such as lipid, cholesterol, and protein synthesis. Given its central role in metabolism, AMPK is a significant target for treating metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, and obesity, and possibly extending lifespan.