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7416259 
Journal Article 
AMPK activators: mechanisms of action and physiological activities 
Kim, J; Yang, G; Kim, Y; Kim, J; Ha, J; , 
2016 
Yes 
Experimental and Molecular Medicine
ISSN: 1226-3613 
e224-e224 
English 
27034026 
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of energy homeostasis, which coordinates metabolic pathways and thus balances nutrient supply with energy demand. Because of the favorable physiological outcomes of AMPK activation on metabolism, AMPK has been considered to be an important therapeutic target for controlling human diseases including metabolic syndrome and cancer. Thus, activators of AMPK may have potential as novel therapeutics for these diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of both indirect and direct AMPK activators and their modes of action in relation to the structure of AMPK. We discuss the functional differences among isoform-specific AMPK complexes and their significance regarding the development of novel AMPK activators and the potential for combining different AMPK activators in the treatment of human disease.