AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a conserved cellular energy receptor that plays an important role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, autophagy, phosphorylation, crosstalk, and glucose and lipid metabolism. AMPK is activated during low-energy or other extreme conditions, and it is suppressed by an excess of nutrients to maintain the energy balance. Additionally, the regulatory mechanism of the AMPK signaling pathway mediating ferroptosis reflects its unique role. AMPK plays a specialized regulatory function in various organelles, which provides a new direction for disease therapy. It is also a therapeutic target to prevent diseases such as reproductive system diseases,aging, cancer, inflammation and cardiac dysfunction. This article reviews cellular energy imbalance. AMPK stimulates its potential therapeutic potential in diseases and drugs through diverse signal regulatory mechanisms. It provides a new treatment for different system diseases. This review summarizes the diverse regulatory mechanisms of the AMPK signaling pathway and provides a theoretical reference for cancer therapy and other disease therapies targeting AMPK.