Figure 7.

Schematic of the association between AMPK, nutrient metabolism, autophagy and apoptosis. PTE treatment results in the phosphorylation and thus, activation, of AMPK. Activated AMPK directly suppresses the expression levels and activity of lipogenesis and mRNA translation-related enzymes, inducing apoptosis in MM cells. Additionally, autophagy is adaptively upregulated, to protect MM cells during nutrient shortage. AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; PTE, pterostilbene; MM, multiple myeloma.