Structure and function of the AMPK glycogen-binding domain

Funding Activity

Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the .

Funded Activity Summary

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme responsible for coordinating metabolism in response to energy supply (diet) and energy demand (exercise). Research into this kinase can increase our understanding of how diet and exercise are so important for maintaining health. The kinase acts either by sensing when cellular energy levels become too low for normal functioning or when the body tells it by sending a chemical messenger (hormone) that overall energy levels are low. This results in activation of energy-producing pathways and inhibition of energy-consuming pathways, allowing cells to match supply with demand to ensure their survival. The AMPK comprises of three proteins that together form a functional enzyme. I have previously found that AMPK localizes to a source of cellular energy called glycogen (sugar stores) via one part that I have called the glycogen-binding domain. In this application I aim to obtain a thorough understanding of the molecular basis of how the glycogen-binding domain affects AMPK function in muscle and heart following exercise. In addition this research may lead to the identification of new molecules, similar to glycogen, that are important for AMPK regulation and may lead to the development of a new class of drugs for Type 2 Diabetes. Research into AMPK promises to dramatically increase our knowledge of how to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and obesity and provide an understanding of the reasons these diseases develop.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2006

End Date: 01-01-2008

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $538,764.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

AMP-activated protein kinase | carbohydrate metabolism | cardiac hypertrophy | glycogen | non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus | obesity/metabolism | protein characterization | protein kinases