title: AMPK at the nexus of energetics and aging.
abstract: When energy supply is low, organisms respond by slowing aging and increasing resistance to diverse age-related pathologies. Targeting the mechanisms underpinning this response may therefore treat multiple disorders through a single intervention. Here, we discuss AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as an integrator and mediator of several pathways and processes linking energetics to longevity. Activated by low energy, AMPK is both prolongevity and druggable, but its role in some pathologies may not be beneficial. As such, activating AMPK may modulate multiple longevity pathways to promote healthy aging, but unlocking its full potential may require selective targeting toward substrates involved in longevity assurance.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Kristopher
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Burkewitz
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Electronic address: wmair@hsph.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: William B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Mair
mesh_terms: D055372:AMP-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D001241:Aspirin / Q000494:pharmacology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000077185:Resveratrol; D013267:Stilbenes / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D013267:Stilbenes; D008687:Metformin; D055372:AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; D000077185:Resveratrol; D001241:Aspirin
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