Gene Mutation Thought To Control Energy Levels Discovered

Studies at the University of Ottawa indicate that a particular mutation in a gene may play a big role in the energy levels in our bodies. This gene for AMPK, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, is activated in our cells when energy storage depletes helping control the amount of energy available to cells and helping them sustain energy challenges due to exercise. Researchers found two cases in individuals in which AMPK activity was doubled in muscle cells during rest where no considerable depletion of energy supplies was taking place. This was due to a mutation in the gene coding for AMPK.

In that a potential career in sports medicine interests me, this article caught my eye. Developing drugs to increase the activity of AMPK could be extremely beneficial to those involved in endurance sports and training. By increasing the amount of muscle glycogen, athletes would be able to maintain high output for longer periods of time. Upping a person's endurance could potentially be used for weight loss as long as the mind set of the person was right.

Additionally, and more importantly, this mutation has been found to reduce storage of fat in muscle. Because excess fat storage in muscle has been linked to insulin resistance, increasing AMPK activity could also be used to treat those with type 2 diabetes. This new study can only help expand on the drug metformin which is already being used to treat diabetes and acts by increasing AMPK acitivity.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070919073011.htm