Therefore, results including significantly enriched AMPK pathway, high-expressed phosphorylated AMPK and AMPK-IN-3 inhibitor-induced inhibition in glycolysis activities and competitive advantage of lenvetinib-resistant HCC cells (CCHuh7R/CCPLC-PRF-5R) indeed prove that AMPK serving as signal sensor plays an essential role in enhancing glycolysis and maintaining winner status of lenvetinib-resistant HCC cells (CCHuh7R/CCPLC-PRF-5R) in cell competition scenario. Here, PRKAA2 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.