Coordinated time-dependent modulation of AMPK/Akt/mTOR signaling and autophagy controls osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

► We tested the role of AMPK in osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells ► AMPK caused early mTOR inhibition-dependent autophagy in differentiating human MSC ► AMPK caused late activation of Akt in differentiating MSC ► AMPK-induced autophagy and Akt activity contributed to osteoblast differentiation