The role of AMPKα subunit in Alzheimer's disease: In-depth analysis and future prospects.

ABSTRACT

The AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) subunit is the catalytic subunit in the AMPK complex, playing a crucial role in AMPK activation. It has two isoforms AMPKα1 and AMPKα2. Emerging evidence suggests that the AMPKα subunit exhibits subtype-specific effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review discusses the role of the AMPKα subunit in the pathogenesis of AD, including its impact on ß-amyloid (Aß) pathology, Tau pathology, metabolic disorders, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammasome and pyroptosis. Additionally, it reviews the distinct roles of its isoforms, AMPKα1 and AMPKα2, in AD, which may provide more precise targets for future drug development in AD.