Nuclear DNA damage-triggered ATM-dependent AMPK activation regulates the mitochondrial radiation response.

Activation of the AMPK signaling pathway differs depending on the stimulus. Radiation activates AMPK through two pathways: depletion of ATP-mediated LKB1 signaling and nuclear DNA damage-induced ATM signaling. Nuclear DNA damage signaling to mitochondria therefore plays a pivotal role in determining the cell fates of irradiated cells.