Fyn kinase function in lipid utilization: a new upstream regulator of AMPK activity?

Abstract

The balance of cellular energy levels in response to changes of nutrient availability, stress stimuli or exercise is a critical step in maintaining tissue and whole body homeostasis. Disruption of this balance is associated with various pathologies, including the metabolic syndrome. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a central role in sensing changes in energy levels. The regulation of AMPK activity is currently the subject of significant investigation since this enzyme is a potential therapeutic target in both metabolic disorders and tumorigenesis. In this review, we present novel evidence of crosstalk between Fyn, one member of the Src kinase family, and AMPK.

Keywords::

• Fyn kinase
• AMPK
• LKB1
• homeostasis
• lipid metabolism

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by The Ellison Medical Foundation (New Scholars Award in Aging) (CB), the National Institutes of Health (DK78886, DK20541, DK020541) and the American Diabetes Association (1-07-RA-142) (JP). MV is grateful to the Fulbright Commission for support.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest.