Cellular Mechanisms of Aging & Disease - Part 2: AMPK

Part 2 of the segment on Cellular Mechanisims of Aging and Disease discusses AMPK, or Adenosine Mono Phosphate Kinase. AMPK is an enzyme made of three proteins and is the main signaling molecule in human energy management. AMPK is the molecule that goes into action when the immediate cellular stores of ATP (Adenosine Tri Phosphate- the only molecule that delivers energy to human cells), becomes depleted. Without ATP our cells cannot function or live. AMPK keeps the cells energy requirements in balance, assuring that not too much or too little energy is available for life’s functions.

AMPK is engaged with the mTOR pathway in order to add control to cellular metabolism. Our life style and diet do a poor job of supplying appropriate quantities of substrate material needed to supply adequate AMPK and ATP (we get simple sugars, biologically inactive fats and over cooked degraded proteins versus raw, nutrient dense, complete foods) . Our ability to supply adequate AMPK also declines with age, helping to initiate the disease modalities characteristic of aging.

A robust AMPK response is needed to keep mTOR pathways in balance and properly regulated. AMPK levels are fortunately under or dietary and life style control, and abnormalities can be corrected to allow a more balance healthful energy expression in our cells. Proper cellular energy management begins with a more youthful AMPK expression; a process that is positively, or negatively, influenced by our diet and lifestyle.

Article referenced (with link): "AMPK and Aging, 'A Technical Review'" by Raegan Linton. Life Extension Magazine, November 2015.