PRKAA1 (AMPKα1)

What it is. Catalytic subunit of the energy sensor AMPK; activated when cellular energy is low to rebalance metabolism and resource use.

Why it matters here. Counters unfettered growth signals by restraining biosynthesis and enabling cleanup, reducing opportunities for damaged cells to gain competitive advantage.

Notes. Upstream: LKB1 (STK11); Downstream: inhibits mTORC1 via TSC/raptor and promotes autophagy.