Gosset Molecular Classification
Signal Transduction Pathway
Other Names
Protein Kinase B Pathway, PKB/Akt Pathway, PI3K-Akt Signaling
Disease Roles
AKT Kinase Pathway Overview
The AKT kinase pathway, also known as the PI3K-AKT or PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, is a central signal transduction cascade that regulates key cellular processes such as metabolism, proliferation, survival, growth, and angiogenesis. It is initiated by extracellular signals via receptor tyrosine kinases or other receptors activating PI3K, leading to PIP3 production and AKT activation. Dysregulation is implicated in many cancers and contributes to insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes. Therapeutic strategies involve targeting various nodes within the pathway with small molecule inhibitors.
Mechanism of Action
Inhibition of AKT kinase activity or upstream regulators to block downstream signaling.
Biological Functions
Cell survival/apoptosis inhibition
Proliferation/growth control
Metabolism regulation
Angiogenesis
Protein synthesis
Lysosomal biogenesis
Disease Associations
Cancer
Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance
Safety Considerations
- Hyperglycemia
- Drug resistance
- Off-target effects
Interacting Drugs
AKT inhibitors
PI3K inhibitors
mTOR inhibitors
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| PTEN loss |
| PIK3CA mutation |
| AKT phosphorylation status |