AMPK – A pivotal rheostat in the control of cardiac metabolism

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is emerging as a central regulator of the myocardial stress response. AMPK exerts important metabolic and non-metabolic actions and lies at the intersection of potential novel approaches to the treatment of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes. This review focuses on emerging data regarding the regulation of AMPK, the metabolic actions of AMPK in the heart and highlights the possible role of AMPK in novel cardioprotective strategies.