Since AMPK activators such as AICAR or metformin can overcome the inhibitory effects of Ser487 phosphorylation on replication of the hepatitis C virus [30], our present results raise the exciting prospect that AMPK activators such as metformin, which are already used to treat Type 2 diabetes, might also be efficacious in treatment of tumours in which the Akt pathway is hyperactivated. The gene discussed is PRKAA1; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.