Contrasting views on the role of AMPK in autophagy

Efficient management of low energy states is vital for cells to maintain basic functions and metabolism and avoid cell death. While autophagy has long been considered a critical mechanism for ensuring survival during energy depletion, recent research has presented conflicting evidence, challenging the long‐standing concept. This recent development suggests that cells prioritize preserving essential cellular components while restraining autophagy induction when cellular energy is limited. This essay explores the conceptual discourse on autophagy regulation during energy stress, navigating through the studies that established the current paradigm and the recent research that has challenged its validity while proposing an alternative model. This exploration highlights the far‐reaching implications of the alternative model, which represents a conceptual departure from the established paradigm, offering new perspectives on how cells respond to energy stress. Newly discovered functions of AMPK are transforming our understanding of its role in autophagy, highlighting its dual role as an inhibitor and a safeguard. This dual functionality prepares cells for long‐term resolution of energy stress, fostering efficient recovery. AMPK distinctly regulates the mTORC1 pathways associated with cell growth and autophagy.