AMPK as a Central Node in Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a principal regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, acting as a metabolic stress sensor that coordinates essential signaling pathways, including mTOR inhibition, autophagy induction, gluconeogenesis, and lipid metabolism. Recent research underscores AMPK's pivotal role as a modulator in the initiation and progression of various diseases, particularly cancer and cardiovascular disorders. In the context of oncology, AMPK demonstrates context-dependent roles, serving as a tumor suppressor during the early stages of tumorigenesis while potentially facilitating tumor adaptation and survival in established cancers, contingent upon tissue type, disease stage, and microenvironmental factors. In the cardiovascular system, AMPK is instrumental in maintaining vascular integrity, optimizing myocardial energy dynamics, and providing substantial protection against ischemic injury. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the molecular functions of AMPK and highlights recent advancements that position it as a promising therapeutic target. We explore its critical roles in metabolic regulation and modulation of immune responses. By systematically summarizing these relationships, this work offers a novel perspective and emphasizes the significant potential for ongoing research into AMPK-mediated regulation of cell fate. Despite the encouraging clinical potential of AMPK-targeting pharmacotherapies, challenges such as drug specificity and efficacy remain, underscoring the necessity for innovative strategies in future therapeutic development.