Question

Ischemia is associated with an increase in concentrations of AMP. What role does AMP play in shifting energy production from oxidative metabolism to glycolysis? Please be specific and include any glycolytic enzyme(s) involved.  Of note, AMP induces an enzyme AMP Kinase (AMPK) which is involved in metabolic alterations during ischemia. We will learn about AMPK in Lecture 11 and you are not expected to discuss it in this problem. Please discuss another role(s) that AMP plays. Please be brief.​

Answer 1

The AMP kinase is a stress/stimulus induced transcription factor and effector protein which plays a crucial role in maintenance of the cellular bio-energetic efficiency. The role of AMP kinase in various metabolic processes has been well established. The answers can be found as below:

What role does AMP play in shifting energy production from oxidative metabolism to glycolysis?

Answer: Enhanced cellular experession levels of AMP kinase have been shown to be associated with increase in rate of glycolysis provided the appropriate substrates and enzymes are present in the cells along with a sufficient supply of oxygen.

Please be specific and include any glycolytic enzyme(s) involved.  

Answer: The AMPK has been shown to directly regulate the enzymatic efficiency of glycogen phosphoryase along with 6-phosphofructokinase and fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase by their phosphorylation and activation. By activation of these enzymes, the AMPK is capable of promoting glycolytic pathway if the substrate for glycolysis is available from outer supply or fatty acid metabolism.