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5'-Monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) improves autophagic activity in diabetes and diabetic complications

Fan Yao1, Ming Zhang1, Li Chen2

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. B
|February 24, 2016
PubMed

Insights

AMPK activation of autophagy may treat diabetes and its complications. This review explores how AMPK stimulates autophagy, offering a promising therapeutic target for metabolic homeostasis in diabetes mellitus.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing global health concern, projected to be a leading cause of death.
  • Cellular injury and metabolic dysregulation are central to DM pathogenesis and complications.
  • Autophagy, a cellular degradation process, is increasingly recognized for its role in DM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulation of autophagy and AMPK in diabetes and its complications.
  • To explore the mechanisms by which AMPK stimulates autophagy in diabetic conditions.
  • To highlight AMPK as a potential therapeutic target for managing diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on autophagy, AMPK, and diabetes.
  • Analysis of studies investigating AMPK's role in autophagy regulation.
  • Synthesis of current research on AMPK-mediated autophagy in diabetic syndromes.

Main Results:

  • AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is crucial for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
  • AMPK activation stimulates autophagy, a process that clears damaged cellular components.
  • Autophagy plays a significant role in both the development and progression of diabetes and its complications.

Conclusions:

  • AMPK-mediated autophagy is a key pathway in managing diabetes.
  • Understanding AMPK's regulation of autophagy offers a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetes treatment.
  • Targeting AMPK-autophagy axis could mitigate diabetic complications and improve metabolic health.
Keywords:
ACC, carboxylaseADP, adenosine diphosphateAMP, adenosine monophosphateAMP-activated protein kinasesAMPK, 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinaseATP, adenosine triphosphateAdipoR, adiponectin receptorsAutophagyCaMKK, Ca2+ calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinaseDEPTOR, DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting proteinDM, Diabetes mellitusDN, Diabetic nephropathyDiabetesDiabetic complicationsERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinaseFoxO, forkhead box class OGFRs, glomerular filtration ratesIKK, IκB kinaseJLDG, Jinlida granuleJNK, janus kinaseLC3, light chain 3LKB1, liver kinase B1PKC, protein kinase CPRAS40, proline-rich Akt substrate 40 kDaRAPTOR, regulator associated protein of mTORSOGA, suppressor of glucose form autophagySQSTM1, sequestosome 1STZ, streptozotocinTSC, tuberous sclerosis complexULK1, Unc-51-like kinase 1VPS34, vacuolar protein-sorting 34mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycinmTORC1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1

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