AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is best known as a sensor of oxidative stress. AMPK is activated by increased intracellular AMP levels, which are a result of alterations in cellular metabolism from causes such as hypoxia, changes in ATP, senescence and more. In cell stress models, AMPK can protect cells from reduced ATP production by altering ATP biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, AMPK has implications in reducing inflammatory reactions in apoptosis pathways.
