5'-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha-2 (PRKAA2)

Catalytic subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy detector protein kinase that plays a key role in regulating cellular energy metabolism. In response to reduction of intracellular ATP levels, AMPK activates energy-producing pathways and inhibits energy-consuming procedures: inhibits protein, carbohydrate and lipid biosynthesis, as well as cell growth and proliferation.

AMPK acts via direct phosphorylation of metabolic enzymes, and by longer-term effects via phosphorylation of transcription regulators. Also acts as a regulator of cellular polarity by remodeling the actin cytoskeleton; probably by indirectly activating myosin.