Description
Overview: Catalytic subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy sensor protein kinase that plays a key role in regulating cellular energy metabolism. In response to reduction of intracellular ATP levels, AMPK activates energy-producing pathways and inhibits energy-consuming processes: inhibits protein, carbohydrate and lipid biosynthesis, as well as cell growth and proliferation. AMPK acts via direct phosphorylation of metabolic enzymes, and by longer-term effects via phosphorylation of transcription regulators.
Structure: The AIS (autoinhibitory sequence) region shows some sequence similarity with the ubiquitin-associated domains and represses kinase activity.
Expression: Skeletal muscle, lower levels in liver, heart and kidney