AMPK and mTOR in cellular energy homeostasis and drug targets

Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2012:52:381-400. doi: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010611-134537. Epub 2011 Oct 17.

Abstract

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central controller of cell growth and proliferation. mTOR forms two distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). mTORC1 is regulated by multiple signals such as growth factors, amino acids, and cellular energy and regulates numerous essential cellular processes including translation, transcription, and autophagy. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor and signal transducer that is regulated by a wide array of metabolic stresses. These two pathways serve as a signaling nexus for regulating cellular metabolism, energy homeostasis, and cell growth, and dysregulation of each pathway may contribute to the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. This review focuses on our current understanding of the relationship between AMPK and mTORC1 signaling and discusses their roles in cellular and organismal energy homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Autophagy / physiology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Protein Biosynthesis / physiology
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • CRTC2 protein, human
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases