Potential Role of the AMP-activated Protein Kinase in Regulation of Insulin Action.

Because of the predominant role of skeletal muscle in insulin-stimulated clearance of blood glucose, understanding mechanisms for increasing the ability of muscle to respond to insulin could potentially lead to novel strategies for treatment or prevention of diabetes. Recently, the AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) has emerged as a promising candidate for potentiation of insulin action. Several antidiabetic drugs have been shown to activate AMPK, cellular stresses such as exercise that increase AMPK activity also increase insulin action, and several downstream targets of AMPK seem to be involved in regulation of insulin action. Although the picture is currently incomplete, it seems possible that AMPK or one of its effectors is a positive regulator of insulin-stimulated glucose transport. In addition to discussion of the latest literature regarding AMPK and insulin action, this review includes a non-technical summary for students, academics from other fields, interested professionals, and the general public.