The role of AMP-activated protein kinase in mitochondrial biogenesis

• Published in: The Journal of physiology Vol. 574; no. 1; pp. 33 - 39
• Main Authors: Reznick, Richard M., Shulman, Gerald I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK The Physiological Society 01.07.2006; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Blackwell Science Inc
• Subjects: AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - enzymology; Energy Metabolism - physiology; Exercise - physiology; Humans; Mitochondria, Muscle - physiology; Mitochondrial Proteins - metabolism; Multienzyme Complexes - metabolism; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Physical Endurance - physiology; Physical Exertion - physiology; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases - metabolism; Topical Reviews
• ISSN: 0022-3751; 1469-7793
• DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.109512

While it has been known for more than 75 years that physical activity is associated with increased mitochondrial content in muscle, the molecular mechanism for this adaptive process has only recently been elucidated. This brief review examines existing studies that have identified AMPK-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and several other key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α and -1β, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV, and nitric oxide. In addition, the potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance associated with ageing and type 2 diabetes mellitus is also discussed.