AMP-activated protein kinase as a therapeutic target for diabetes

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of intracellular energy balance, acting to maintain ATP levels in response to reduced energy availability. The intracellular actions of AMPK produce profound changes in parameters of whole-body energy metabolism; activation of the kinase reduces blood glucose levels and increases insulin sensitivity. These characteristic make AMPK a potentially interesting target for the development of novel diabetes therapies. This review provides a brief synopsis of the biology of AMPK and a summary of discovery efforts to identify specific AMPK activators.

Section editors:Ramakanth Sarabu and Jefferson W. Tilley – Roche Research Center, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA