Title:AMPK in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Implications and Therapeutic Perspectives
VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 8
Author(s):Claudia Marinangeli, Sébastien Didier and Valérie Vingtdeux
Affiliation:Inserm UMR-S 1172, Jean- Pierre Aubert research Centre, Bâtiment Biserte, Place de Verdun, 59045 Lille cedex, France.
Keywords:AMPK, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ischemic
stroke, neurodegeneration, neuronal development.
Abstract:Maintaining proper energy levels in brain neurons is crucial for many cerebral functions such as synaptic
transmission, vesicle recycling and axonal transport. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the main energy sensor of
all living cells. Beside its role as a crucial whole-body energy sensor in hypothalamic neurons, AMPK is also expressed in
neurons throughout the brain where it might play additional fundamental roles. For instance, AMPK might be involved in
brain development, neuronal polarization and neuronal activity. In addition, recent evidences suggest that AMPK deregulation
might participate in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis and ischemic stroke. Therefore, AMPK is emerging as a potential therapeutic target for these neurodegenerative
diseases. Here, we will review the recent literature regarding the physiological and pathological role of AMPK in the
brain and discuss the resulting potential therapeutic implications.
