PRKAG3 encodes the gamma-3 regulatory subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical cellular energy sensor 12. As a non-catalytic subunit, PRKAG3 mediates nucleotide binding (AMP, ADP, ATP) to regulate AMPK activity in muscle energy metabolism 2. AMP binding allosterically activates the catalytic alpha subunit, while ATP promotes catalytic inactivation, enabling dynamic response to cellular energy status 1. AMPK activation inhibits energy-consuming biosynthetic pathways and promotes catabolic processes, with PRKAG3 playing a muscle-specific regulatory role 2. Genetically, PRKAG3 polymorphisms influence meat quality traits in pigs, with the Ile199Val variant affecting ultimate muscle pH and multiple quality parameters in dry-cured hams 345. In humans, PRKAG3-230 polymorphisms show association with sporadic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, suggesting AMPK dysregulation may contribute to cardiac arrhythmia susceptibility 6. Additionally, PRKAG3 expression patterns in aging skeletal muscle correlate negatively with physical performance and mitochondrial function, indicating complex roles in age-related decline 7. Recent evidence demonstrates PRKAG3 interaction with environmental stressors, including mycotoxin patulin, which modulates AMPK pathway signaling in kidney cells 8.