Abstract:
AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric complex composed
of three subunits and is the core energy sensor of the cell. The AMPK activity
is important for survival during periods of stress and starvation and also has
implications in type II diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, longevity and
cancer, etc. The activation of AMPK is triggered through binding of Adenosine
Monophosphate Activated Proteins (AMP) to the Bateman domains of the gamma subunit,
leading to increased phosphorylation of the threonine 172 on the alpha subunit
by inducing allosteric activation and inhibiting dephosphorylation. AMPK and
its subunits have been the focuses of many researchers dealing with genetic
and metabolic issues. The study makes a comprehensive review on the structure,
function, distribution, enzyme activity, the genetic mutation and other aspects
of AMPK and its subunit genes, with the aim to outline main aspects of present
researches on AMPK and its subunits in animal genetics.
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