

Cancer Prevention Research 2, 301, April 1, 2009. Published Online First March 31, 2009;
doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-08-0166
© 2009 American Association for Cancer Research
Energy Homeostasis and Cancer Prevention: The AMP-Activated Protein Kinase
Judith R. Fay1,
Vernon Steele2 and
James A. Crowell3
Authors' Affiliations: 1 CCS Associates, Mountain View, California; 2 Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention and 3 Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
Requests for reprints: Judith R. Fay, CCS Associates, 2005 Landings Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043. Phone: 650-691-4400; Fax: 650-691-4410; E-mail: jfay{at}ccsainc.com.
Caloric restriction has long been recognized as an extremely effective cancer preventive. Current population demographics suggest that caloric excess and obesity will lead to increased cancer incidence, underscoring the need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that couple dysregulated energy homeostasis to aberrant cell growth. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a critical monitor of cellular energy status, largely studied for its importance in metabolic regulation. AMPK also controls processes relevant to tumor development, including cell cycle progression, protein synthesis, cell growth, and survival. Several tumor suppressors impinge on AMPK signaling, and activation of the kinase inhibits tumor growth. However, AMPK can also promote cancer in some settings, necessitating a more complete understanding of the complexities of this signaling network. Because dysregulated energy balance is a nexus for multiple chronic diseases of aging, drugs that target these pathways may find broad utility in aging populations.
Key Words: AMPK cancer prevention chemoprevention chronic diseases of aging metformin
Copyright © 2009 by the American Association for Cancer Research.