AMPK
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase
Also known as: PRKAA1, PRKAA2
Master energy sensor that coordinates metabolic adaptation to energy stress.
Biological Function
AMPK is the cell's primary energy sensor, activated when the AMP:ATP ratio rises (indicating energy depletion). Once activated, it switches on catabolic pathways (fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, autophagy) and switches off anabolic pathways (lipogenesis, protein synthesis) to restore energy balance. AMPK also activates PGC-1α for mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibits mTOR to promote autophagy.
Why Biomeme Monitors This Target
AMPK activation is a convergence point for multiple wellness-relevant therapies: MOTS-c directly activates AMPK, exercise activates AMPK, metformin activates AMPK, and caloric restriction activates AMPK. Monitoring AMPK-responsive gene expression provides a unified readout across metabolic interventions.
Expression Context
Activated by exercise, fasting, caloric restriction, MOTS-c, metformin, and cellular energy stress. Suppressed by chronic overnutrition and hyperinsulinemia.
Signaling Pathway
Associated Therapies
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- AMPK
- Category
- Metabolic & Insulin Signaling
- Applications
- Wellness, Performance, Longevity
- Linked Therapies
- 1
Related Targets
Monitor AMPK Expression.
Biomeme's multiplexed platform can include AMPK in a custom panel alongside up to 47 other molecular targets — in a single rapid run.
Discuss Your Panel