In this review, Elijah Trefts and Reuben J. Shaw describe the role of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) as one of the body’s primary cellular energy sensors. AMPK is activated when cellular energy is low and works to restore balance by increasing energy-producing processes such as glucose uptake and fat oxidation while shutting down energy-intensive activities like fat and protein synthesis. While hormones like insulin signal energy abundance and promote storage, and glucagon signals fasting and mobilizes stored fuels at the whole-body level, AMPK operates inside cells, responding directly to low ATP levels and shifting metabolism toward energy production. The authors highlight how AMPK coordinates metabolic responses across different cellular compartments and tissues to maintain overall energy homeostasis. Because of this central role in regulating metabolism, AMPK has become an important target for therapies aimed at metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1097276521006821