Activating AMPK improves pathological phenotypes due to mtDNA depletion.

ABSTRACT: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis that also plays a role in preserving mitochondrial function and integrity. Upon a disturbance in the cellular energy state that increases AMP levels, AMPK activity promotes a switch from anabolic to catabolic metabolism to restore energy homeostasis. However, the level of severity of mitochondrial dysfunction required to trigger AMPK activation is currently unclear, as is whether stimulation of AMPK using specific agonists can improve the cellular phenotype following mitochondrial dysfunction. Using a cellular model of mitochondrial disease characterized by progressive mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion and deteriorating mitochondrial metabolism, we show that mitochondria-associated AMPK becomes activ

SUBMITTER: Carvalho G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12062783 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature