International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Post-Translational Modifications of the Energy Guardian AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Ashley J. Ovens 1,2 , John W. Scott 2,3,4 , Christopher G. Langendorf 3, Bruce E. Kemp 2,3, Jonathan S. Oakhill 1,2 and William J. Smiles 1,* 1 Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia;
[email protected] (A.J.O.);
[email protected] (J.S.O.) 2 Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC 3000, Australia;
[email protected] (J.W.S.);
[email protected] (B.E.K.) 3 Protein Chemistry & Metabolism, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia;
[email protected] 4 The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia * Correspondence:
[email protected] Abstract: Physical exercise elicits physiological metabolic perturbations such as energetic and ox- idative stress; however, a diverse range of cellular processes are stimulated in response to combat these challenges and maintain cellular energy homeostasis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved enzyme that acts as a metabolic fuel sensor and is central to this adaptive response to exercise. The complexity of AMPK’s role in modulating a range of cellular signalling cascades is well documented, yet aside from its well-characterised regulation by activation loop phosphorylation, AMPK is further subject to a multitude of additional regulatory stimuli. There- fore, in this review we comprehensively outline current knowledge around the post-translational Citation: Ovens, A.J; Scott, J.W; modifications of AMPK, including novel phosphorylation sites, as well as underappreciated roles for Langendorf, C.G; Kemp, B.E; Oakhill, ubiquitination, sumoylation, acetylation, methylation and oxidation.