Question

One target of AMPK is the bifunctional enzyme phosphofructokinase-2 that synthesizes fructose 2,6-bisphosphate. How does the activation of AMPK assist in the treatment of diabetes?

Answer 1

AMPK stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscles by phosphorylating Rab-GTPase-activating protein TBC1D1.TBC1D1 helps in trafficking and translocation of Glut-4 containing vesicles and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in cells. So oxidation of glucose increases which leads to a decrease in the amount of plasma glucose.

AMPK stimulates glycolysis by activation of phosphorylation 6-phospofructo-2-kinase/fructose- 2,6-bisphosphatase 2/3 and phosphorylation of glycogen phosphorylase and it inhibits glycogen synthesis by phosphorylation of glycogen synthase. In the liver, AMPK inhibits glycogenosis by inhibiting transcription factors.