AKT as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer

Many cellular processes in cancer are attributed to kinase signaling networks. V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) plays a major role in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. AKT is activated by PI3K or phosphoinositide-dependent kinases (PDK) as well as growth factors, inflammation, and DNA damage. Signal transduction occurs through downstream effectors such as mTOR, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), or forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1). The abnormal overexpression or activation of AKT has been observed in many cancers, including ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancers, and is associated with increased cancer cell proliferation and survival. Therefore, targeting AKT could provide an important…

• NI
  National Institutes of Health