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AMPK signaling in cancer: dual roles, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential

Miribane Dërmaku-Sopjani1, Rifat Morina2, Faton Sermaxhaj3

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo.

Advances in Medical Sciences
|May 13, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates cellular energy. This review explores AMPK's complex roles in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter depending on the context.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis.
  • Dysregulation of AMPK signaling is implicated in various malignancies due to cancer cells' altered metabolic demands.
  • Understanding AMPK's multifaceted roles is crucial for cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the dual roles of AMPK in tumor progression and suppression.
  • To synthesize current knowledge on how AMPK signaling impacts cancer development.
  • To explore AMPK's involvement in metabolic reprogramming within cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
  • Focus on research published between 2010 and 2025.
  • Utilized relevant keywords to identify pertinent studies on AMPK and cancer.

Main Results:

  • AMPK influences oncogenic signaling pathways, including mTORC1, p53, and FOXO, in a context-dependent manner.
  • AMPK primarily acts as a tumor suppressor in early carcinogenesis but can promote cancer cell survival in specific tumor contexts.
  • The effect of AMPK on cancer progression is variable, inhibiting or enhancing it based on cell type and condition.

Conclusions:

  • AMPK exhibits a dual role in cancer, acting as both a suppressor and promoter.
  • AMPK's modulation of metabolic pathways makes it a potential therapeutic target in precision oncology.
  • Further research into AMPK's context-specific functions is warranted for targeted cancer therapies.
Keywords:
AMP-activated protein kinaseEnergy metabolismNeoplasmsSignal transduction, and metabolic reprogramming

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