# AMPK

AMPK is your cell's low-fuel warning light. Its full name is AMP-activated protein kinase, and it switches on when energy runs low, when AMP and ADP rise relative to ATP (the cell's main fuel). Once active, it flips the cell into energy-saving mode. It ramps up ways to make energy, like burning fat and running autophagy (cellular recycling), and it dials down expensive building projects like mTORC1-driven protein synthesis. Switching on AMPK copies some of the effects of caloric restriction. As you age, AMPK signaling can get sluggish, which makes it harder to keep your metabolism in check. Two well-known ways to nudge it on: metformin and exercise.

## Sources

- Hardie et al.. (2012). AMPK: a nutrient and energy sensor that maintains energy homeostasis. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm3311
- Salminen A, Kaarniranta K. (2012). AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) controls the aging process via an integrated signaling network. Ageing Research Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.005

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/glossary/ampk · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-22_