Expression, clinicopathological significance, and prognostic potential of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and TFAM in astrocytomas

• Published in: Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology Vol. 83; no. 1; pp. 11 - 19
• Main Authors: Wang, Juan, Lou, Lei, Li, Dan, Wang, Yuan, Jia, Xin, Hao, Xue, Liu, Weina, Li, Yuehong, Wu, Wenxin, Hou, Lianguo, Cui, Jinfeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 22.12.2023
• Subjects: Kinases; Medical prognosis; AMPK; TFAM; PGC-1α; p-AMPK; Astrocytoma
• ISSN: 0022-3069; 1554-6578
• DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlad094

Abstract AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of energy status that maintains cellular energy homeostasis. Activation of AMPK enhances the expression of proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1-α) and subsequently activates mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) to regulate mitochondrial oxidative respiratory function. The possible functions of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and TFAM and their interactions in astrocytomas are not known. Here, the levels, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognostic potential of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and TFAM expression levels in astrocytomas were evaluated. The results showed that levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and TFAM expression was increased in astrocytomas. Strong correlations were observed between AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and TFAM expression in patients with astrocytomas. The analysis indicated that the levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and TFAM were associated with the survival. AMPK levels, tumor grade, and age were independent prognostic factors predicting poor outcomes in patients with astrocytoma. Together, these results indicate that these 4 targets may play a crucial role in the progression and prognosis of human astrocytomas and that AMPK may represent a potential therapeutic target.