Comparison of the results of clonogenic assay between mock and compound C treatment suggested that elevated expression of hTERT did not completely protect the tumor cells from compound C; however, our results do indicate that elevated expression of hTERT provides resistance to compound C. Since AMPK activation by AICAR or metformin is one option for the treatment of cancer, the relationship between AMPK and hTERT expression should be considered in such cases. The gene discussed is PRKAA2; the disease is cancer.