AMPK
Cellular energy sensor — activates fasting/exercise/metformin pathways
AMPK is mTOR's counterweight. When ATP runs low (during fasting, exercise, or caloric restriction), AMP accumulates and activates AMPK. Active AMPK switches the cell from anabolic to catabolic mode: turn on fat oxidation, turn off cholesterol/fatty acid synthesis, promote glucose uptake, trigger autophagy. Metformin works partly through AMPK activation, which is why it's the longevity-research molecule it is. The fasting/exercise/cold-exposure tier of healthspan interventions all converge here.
The load-bearing nutrients — if these are deficient, this pathway slows down. Click any to see daily targets, food sources, and supplements that supply it.
Nutrients that contribute to this pathway but aren’t the single load-bearing inputs.
Pathways that share a load-bearing cofactor with this one.