Figure 6.

Activation of AMPK by pro-drugs that are taken up into cells and converted into AMP analogues. TOP: AICA riboside is an adenosine analogue that is taken up into cells via adenosine transporters and converted by adenosine kinase into the equivalent nucleotide, ZMP, an AMP analogue that mimics the effects of AMP on the AMPK system. MIDDLE: C2 is a phosphonate analogue of AMP that is administered in an esterified form (C13) that diffuses across the plasma membrane and is converted by cellular esterases into C2. BOTTOM: cordycepin is an adenosine analogue that is taken up into cells via adenosine transporters and converted by adenosine kinase into the equivalent nucleotide, cordycepin-5′-monophosphate, an AMP analogue that mimics effects of AMP on the AMPK system.