Abstract: A sensor of cellular energy status, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) exerts some effects on the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, which is highly related with cell viability and survival. AMPK is also activated by drugs such as metformin and salicylate. In addition, studies have shown that AMPK also exerts a wide range of effects on the signaling pathways including inflammation, cancer and metabolic disorders. The article focuses on the new findings of AMPK.