PRKAA2, Official Symbol PRKAA2provided by HGNC Official Full Name protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 2provided by HGNC Primary source HGNC:HGNC:9377 See related Ensembl:ENSG00000162409 MIM:600497; AllianceGenome:HGNC:9377 Gene type protein coding RefSeq status VALIDATED Organism Homo sapiens Lineage Eukaryota; Metazoa; Chordata; Craniata; Vertebrata; Euteleostomi; Mammalia; Eutheria; Euarchontoglires; Primates; Haplorrhini; Catarrhini; Hominidae; Homo Also known as AMPK; AMPK2; PRKAA; AMPKa2 Summary The protein encoded by this gene is a catalytic subunit of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a heterotrimer consisting of an alpha catalytic subunit, and non-catalytic beta and gamma subunits. AMPK is an important energy-sensing enzyme that monitors cellular energy status. In response to cellular metabolic stresses, AMPK is activated, and thus phosphorylates and inactivates acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and beta-hydroxy beta-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), key enzymes involved in regulating de novo biosynthesis of fatty acid and cholesterol. Studies of the mouse counterpart suggest that this catalytic subunit may control whole-body insulin sensitivity and is necessary for maintaining myocardial energy homeostasis during ischemia. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008] Expression Biased expression in heart (RPKM 14.0), kidney (RPKM 6.8) and 8 other tissues See more Orthologs mouse all