AMPK Signaling Networks in Cellular Energy Metabolism
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Signaling".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 104
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is one of the foremost regulators of cellular growth and metabolism, with the primary responsibility of directly sensing and correcting disruptions to energy homeostasis. AMPK engages in extensive crosstalk with mTORC1, another fundamental metabolic regulator and bona fide driver of aging. This has generally implicated AMPK as a promoter of longevity; however, chronic activation of AMPK in the heart is injurious, while in cancer, AMPK serves as both a tumor suppressor and promoter. These disparities arise from the distinct functions of different AMPK isoforms, which have sparked interest in developing small-molecule activators or even inhibitors of specific AMPK isoforms. In this Special Issue entitled: AMPK Signaling Networks in Cellular Energy Metabolism, we intend to showcase the current landscape of the complex regulatory mechanisms of AMPK at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as its broader physiological significance. We are interested in submissions investigating the subcellular functions of AMPK, its structural regulation, downstream substrates, and novel post-translational modifications (beyond just phosphorylation), as well as work covering the therapeutic potential of targeting AMPK for a multitude of pathologies (e.g., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer). Despite decades of research, the field continues to grow in its understanding of this fundamental energy sensor. This Special Issue, therefore, seeks to unify multidisciplinary groups of scientists at the forefront of this vital area of metabolic research.
We look forward to your contributions.
Dr. William Smiles
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- metabolism
- phosphorylation
- cancer
- type 2 diabetes
- signaling
- exercise
- skeletal muscle
- mTOR
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