AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy-sensing enzyme, is a key regulator of metabolic syndrome and comprises diverse heterotrimeric complexes containing a catalytic (α1 or α2) subunit and two other regulatory subunits (β1 or β2 and γ1, γ2 or γ3)5,6. The gene discussed is PRKAA1; the disease is metabolic syndrome.