As a sensor of cellular energy status, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications. Because AMPK is also expressed in podocytes, it is possible that podocyte AMPK would be an important contributing factor in development of proteinuria. In recent years, despite intensified interest in AMPK in the kidney, studies on the role of AMPK in podocytes are limited. In this review, I will discuss the roles of AMPK in podocytes, which may be involved in development of podocyte dysfunction and proteinuria, and the possibility of AMPK-modulating drugs in prevention and treatment of podocytopathy.

• Tae-Sun Ha(Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University) Corresponding author