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Review
. 2015 Apr 10;6(10):7365-78.
doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.3629.

Targeting AMPK for cancer prevention and treatment

Weidong Li  1   2 , Shakir M Saud  3   2 , Matthew R Young  2 , Guohong Chen  4 , Baojin Hua  1
Affiliations
Review

Targeting AMPK for cancer prevention and treatment

Weidong Li et al. Oncotarget. .

Abstract

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important mediator in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK is activated in response to a shortage of energy. Once activated, AMPK can promote ATP production and regulate metabolic energy. AMPK is a known target for treating metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes; however, recently AMPK is emerging as a possible metabolic tumor suppressor and target for cancer prevention and treatment. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that treatment with metformin, an AMPK activator reduces the incidence of cancer. In this article we review the role of AMPK in regulating inflammation, metabolism, and other regulatory processes with an emphasis on cancer, as well as, discuss the potential for targeting AMPK to treat various types of cancer. Activation of AMPK has been found to oppose tumor progression in several cancer types and offers a promising cancer therapy. This review evaluates the evidence linking AMPK with tumor suppressor function and analyzes the molecular mechanisms involved. AMPK activity opposes tumor development and progression in part by regulating inflammation and metabolism.

Keywords: AMP activated kinase; cancer; prevention; treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. AMPK is a tumor suppressor for cancer prevention and treatment
NSAIDs, Natural products, TCM and metformin can all activate AMPK. AMPK negatively regulates the mTOR signal pathway, resulting in inhibition of cancer proliferation and growth. Activated AMPK negatively regulates COX-2, a pro-inflammatory enzyme associated with tumorigenesis. AMPK can induce phosphorylation of tumor suppressor p53, resulting in cell cycle arrest. Activation of AMPK can also induce phosphorylation of ACC influencing lipid metabolism. Interactions leading to activation of molecular targets are indicated by arrows; those inhibited are indicated by a bar. Activation of AMPK can modulate multiple pathways leading to anticancer activities. TCM=Traditional Chinese Medicine; NSAIDs=Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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