PRKAA2 and hepatocellular carcinoma: These results are consistent with previous studies showing that lysosomal AMPK activation actually inhibits apoptosis55,56 unless all AMPK pools are indiscriminately activated (e.g., by increased AMP).57,58 However, a robust increase in the TUNEL signal was observed in the HCC tissues (Fig. 3h), consistent with the suppressive effects of aldometanib on HCC in vivo.