Reuben Shaw, a Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology and Researcher at the Salk Institute, gave a presentation which is available at the LabRoots channel.
Part of his reasearch is focused on AMPk, or Adenosine Monophosphate Activate Protein Kinase (a mouthful) and how it influences physiology. As per LabRoots:
"AMPK, a highly conserved sensor of cellular energy status, is found in all eukaryotic cells and maintains metabolic homeostasis by reprogramming growth, metabolism, and autophagy in the face of cellular stresses. AMPK is activated by direct binding of AMP and ADP to its regulatory subunits, which enhances its phosphorylation by the upstream kinase LKB1, a tumor suppressor gene frequently inactivated in sporadic human lung and cervical cancer." [source]
Shaw discusses the implications of activating AMPk in pathology, such as diabetes and cancers. One central point of AMPk activation is how it impacts autophagy (cellular self-eating or cellular garbage disposal). Important to point out is that Shaw talks about pharmacological and non-pharmacological activators of AMPk, which include: metformin, ALCAR, Salicylate, caloric restriction, fasting, exercise, etc.
On a personal note, I've been testing and experimenting with alpha lipoic acid, which is also know to influence AMPk activation, as well as insulin sensitization. I've seen statistically significant lowering blood sugar effects (tested with a glucose monitor) when I supplement with ALA compared to no supplementation.
If you're interested in the molecular and biochemical aspects of AMPk signaling and the potential implications in health, please see the full talk below.
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Cristi Vlad Self-Experimenter and Author