AMP-activated protein kinase undergoes nucleotide-dependent conformational changes

The energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric complex that is allosterically activated by AMP binding to the γ subunit. Cocrystal structures of the mammalian AMPK core reveal occlusion of nucleotide-binding site 3 of the γ subunit in the presence of ATP. However, site 3 is occupied in the presence of AMP. Mutagenesis studies indicate that sites 3 and 4 are important for AMPK allosteric activation.