While a great number of studies have shown that AMPK plays inhibitory roles in the growth of cancer cells and tumorigenesis, many studies have illustrated the tumour‐protecting and promoting effects of AMPK, which are correlated to its ability to respond to stress and confer protection to cancer cells.24 The present study attempts to delineate the regulatory role of AMPK in energy metabolism and cancer cell growth by focusing on regulation of mitochondria. Here, PRKAA1 is linked to cancer.