AMP-activated protein kinase

AMP -activated protein kinase (AMPK ) is an enzyme which plays an important role in the regulation of the biosynthetic processes in mammalian cells. The three subunits α, β, γ have in each case several isoforms, such that there are several tissue-specific isoforms of the part AMPK. Mutations in PRKAG2 gene responsible for hereditary types of rare Wolff- Parkinson-White syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Function

AMPK is a heterotrimeric protein consisting of the catalytic alpha -1-( PRKAA1 ), beta- 1-( PRKAB1 ) and gamma- 1 subunit ( PRKAG1 ); his task is, so to protect cells from ATP depletion energy deficiency. This is accomplished by turning off power consuming biosynthesis by AMPK by phosphorylation a number of enzymes responsible for the cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis inhibiting (such as, HMG -CoA reductase and acetyl -CoA carboxylase ). AMPK is regulated via the AMP and ATP levels of the cell, and a further kinase, the AMPK kinase, is involved. AMP is a breakdown product of ATP, and therefore a suitable indicator of energy deficiency. The AMPK comes as a homologue in many other species ( yeasts and even higher plants ) before and therefore seems an evolutionarily early -onset tool to protect against power shortage to be in cells.