Linking Cellular Energy State to Atrial Fibrillation Pathogenesis: Potential Role of Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the cellular stress-sensing molecule. Apart from maintaining cellular energy balance, AMPK also controls expression and regulation of ion channels and ion transporters, including cytosolic Ca2+ handling proteins. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic impairment plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). AMPK activation is thought to be protective by preventing metabolic stress, favorably modulating membrane electrophysiology including cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics, preventing cellular growth and hypertrophic remodeling.

Source: Heart Rhythm - April 4, 2020 Category: Cardiology Authors: Praloy Chakraborty, Stanley Nattel, Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar Source Type: research