AMPK Mediates Autophagy during Myocardial Ischemia In Vivo

We have recently shown that autophagy is induced by ischemia and reperfusion in the mouse heart in vivo. Ischemia stimulates autophagy through an AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent mechanism, whereas reperfusion after ischemia stimulates autophagy through a Beclin 1-dependent, but AMPK-independent, mechanism. Autophagy plays distinct roles during ischemia and reperfusion: autophagy may be protective during ischemia, whereas it may be detrimental during reperfusion. We will discuss the role of AMPK in mediating autophagy during myocardial ischemia in vivo. Addendum to: Distinct Roles of Autophagy in the Heart During Ischemia and Reperfusion: Roles of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and Beclin 1 in Mediating Autophagy Y. Matsui, H. Takagi, X. Qu, M. Abdellatif, H. Sakoda, T. Asano, B. Levine and J. Sadoshima Circ Res 2007; 100:914-22