Cells starved for oxygen exhibit decreased energy levels and therefore, activate an energy sensor called “AMP-activated protein kinase” (AMPK). AMPK inhibits mTOR activity and thus simultaneously inhibits cell growth, cell division, and protein synthesis. These are important pathways for the conservation of intracellular energy stores to allow cells to survive the stress of oxygen deprivation.

Image Credit: Celeste Simon, PhD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute