The activation of the p53 pathway by the AMP mimetic AICAR is reduced by inhibitors of the ATM or mTOR kinases

► AICAR - the AMP mimetic substance activates p53 pathway. ► AICAR-induced p53 activation is blocked by different inhibitors of ATM kinase. ► AICAR-induced p53 phosphorylation is attenuated by knock-down of ATM. ► AICAR-induced p53 activation is blocked by rapamycin - mTOR kinase inhibitor. ► AICAR does not induce cellular senescence and upregulates MDM2 - the p53 antagonist.