PRKAA2

Also known as AMPK, AMPK2, AMPKa2, PRKAA, protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 2

'''5'-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha-2' is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PRKAA2'' gene.

Gene data

PRKAA2

Name: protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 2
Type: protein-coding
Position: 56,645,314–56,715,335 (+)
Aliases: AMPK, AMPK2, AMPKa2, PRKAA
Ensembl: ENSG00000162409
RefSeq RNA: NM_006252.4, XM_017001693.2, XM_054337539.1
RefSeq protein: NP_006243.2, XP_016857182.1, XP_054193514.1

The protein encoded by this gene is a catalytic subunit of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a heterotrimer consisting of an alpha catalytic subunit, and non-catalytic beta and gamma subunits. AMPK is an important energy-sensing enzyme that monitors cellular energy status. In response to cellular metabolic stresses, AMPK is activated, and thus phosphorylates and inactivates acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and beta-hydroxy beta-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), key enzymes involved in regulating de novo biosynthesis of fatty acid and cholesterol. Studies of the mouse counterpart suggest that this catalytic subunit may control whole-body insulin sensitivity and is necessary for maintaining myocardial energy homeostasis during ischemia. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].