5'-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha-1 (AMPKα1 (also written as AMPK alpha 1 or PRKAA1))

5'-AMP–activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha‑1 is the main catalytic component of the heterotrimeric AMPK complex. Encoded by the PRKAA1 gene, it belongs to the serine/threonine protein kinase family. As part of AMPK, it acts as a central regulator (“energy sensor”) that maintains cellular energy homeostasis. When activated by increased intracellular AMP/ATP ratios—such as during metabolic stress—it phosphorylates key enzymes and transcription factors involved in glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, autophagy induction, and inhibition of biosynthetic pathways. Its activity protects cells from ATP depletion by downregulating anabolic processes while upregulating catabolic ones. Dysregulation or altered expression has been linked with cancer progression/metastasis, obesity-related disorders, neurodegeneration via impaired mitophagy/autophagy signaling pathways, and cardiovascular disease risk[1][2][3].

Other names

AMPK alpha 1PRKAA1Protein kinase, AMP-activated, alpha 1AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha 1

Drugs targeting this molecule typically: - Activate the enzyme by allosteric modulation or by mimicking increased intracellular AMP levels. - Induce phosphorylation events that switch off ATP-consuming biosynthetic pathways and activate catabolic processes to restore energy balance[2].