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Evidence of cancer-promoting roles for AMPK and related kinases

Tiziana Monteverde1, Nathiya Muthalagu2, Jennifer Port1

  • 1Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.

The FEBS Journal
|October 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

The 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a dual role in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and protector. Its function depends on cellular context, with specific complexes potentially promoting oncogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) links tumor suppressors LKB1 and TSC, inhibiting macromolecular synthesis via mTORC1, suggesting a tumor suppressive role.
  • AMPK also maintains ATP homeostasis and neutralizes reactive oxygen species, indicating tumor-protective functions under metabolic stress common in solid tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the dual role of AMPK in cancer, acting as either a pro- or anti-cancer agent depending on the cellular context.
  • To investigate the complex subunit composition and isoform diversity of AMPK and their implications for distinct cellular processes and cancer functions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating AMPK's role in tumor suppression and protection.
  • Analysis of research on AMPK subunit composition, isoforms, and their assembly into distinct complexes.
  • Examination of studies on AMPK-related kinase family members and their cancer roles.

Main Results:

  • AMPK exhibits context-dependent dual functions in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and a promoter.
  • Specific AMPK complex isoforms, with frequently overexpressed subunits in cancers, may possess oncogenic functions.
  • Other AMPK-related kinases also display similar dual roles in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • The role of AMPK in cancer is complex and multifaceted, involving both tumor suppression and promotion.
  • Understanding the specific AMPK complexes and isoforms is crucial for elucidating their precise functions in tumorigenesis.
  • Further research into AMPK and related kinases may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
AMPKAMPK related kinasesATP homeostasisCaMKKBLKB1MARKNUAKcancer geneticscancer metabolismreactive oxygen species

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