Protein Kinase AMP-Activated Catalytic Subunit Alpha (AMPK)

Protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha (AMPK) is a central regulator of cellular and whole-body energy homeostasis. It acts as an energy sensor, becoming activated in response to increased AMP/ATP or ADP/ATP ratios, which signal low cellular energy status. AMPK exists as a heterotrimeric complex composed of three subunits: a catalytic α subunit and regulatory β and γ subunits. The α subunit contains the kinase domain responsible for enzymatic activity. There are two genes encoding the human α-subunits: PRKAA1 (α1) and PRKAA2 (α2).

Other names

AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alphaPRKAA1PRKAA2AMPK alpha chainACACA kinaseAcetyl-CoA carboxylase kinaseHMGCR kinaseHydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase kinase

AMPK activation