PRKAB2
PRKAB2
The PRKAB2 gene encodes the beta-2 subunit of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial enzyme involved in cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK is a heterotrimeric complex composed of a catalytic alpha subunit and regulatory beta and gamma subunits. The PRKAB2 gene is located on chromosome 1q21.1 and plays a significant role in metabolic regulation.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The PRKAB2 gene consists of multiple exons and introns, encoding a protein that is approximately 272 amino acids in length. The beta-2 subunit contains a glycogen-binding domain, which is essential for the regulation of AMPK activity in response to cellular energy levels. The structure of the beta-2 subunit allows it to interact with both the alpha and gamma subunits, stabilizing the AMPK complex.
Function[edit | edit source]
PRKAB2 is integral to the function of AMPK, which acts as an energy sensor in cells. When cellular energy levels are low, AMPK is activated and initiates a cascade of events to restore energy balance. This includes:
- Increasing glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation.
- Inhibiting anabolic processes such as protein and lipid synthesis.
- Modulating insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial biogenesis.
The beta-2 subunit, encoded by PRKAB2, is particularly important in tissues with high energy demands, such as skeletal muscle and the heart.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Mutations or dysregulation of the PRKAB2 gene can lead to metabolic disorders. Alterations in AMPK activity have been implicated in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the role of PRKAB2 in these conditions can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets.
Research[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research is focused on elucidating the precise mechanisms by which PRKAB2 and AMPK regulate energy homeostasis. Studies are also exploring the potential of AMPK activators as therapeutic agents for metabolic diseases.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
