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Perturbations of the AKT signaling pathway in human cancer

Deborah A Altomare1, Joseph R Testa

  • 1Human Genetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.

Oncogene
|November 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Aberrant AKT signaling, crucial for cell growth and survival, is frequently altered in human cancers. This review covers AKT pathway dysregulation in sporadic cancers and inherited phakomatoses, and therapeutic targeting strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The AKT/protein kinase B (PKB) pathway is central to cellular processes like proliferation, survival, and metabolism.
  • This pathway is frequently dysregulated in human cancers due to altered signaling from oncogenes and tumor suppressors.
  • Aberrant AKT signaling is implicated in both sporadic cancers and inherited cancer syndromes (phakomatoses).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of aberrant AKT signaling in human cancers.
  • To discuss the genetic basis of AKT pathway involvement in phakomatoses.
  • To explore mechanisms of AKT pathway activation in malignancy and current therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on AKT signaling in cancer.
  • Analysis of genetic mutations in tumor suppressor genes affecting the AKT pathway (PTEN, TSC1/2, LKB1, NF1, VHL).
  • Examination of pathogenic mechanisms driving AKT pathway activation.
  • Overview of pharmacologic agents targeting the AKT pathway.

Main Results:

  • AKT pathway dysregulation is a common feature in various human cancers.
  • Germline mutations in tumor suppressor genes (PTEN, TSC1/2, LKB1, NF1, VHL) link inherited disorders to AKT pathway activation.
  • Multiple mechanisms contribute to AKT pathway activation in malignant cells.
  • Targeting the AKT pathway is an active area of therapeutic development.

Conclusions:

  • The AKT pathway is a critical node in cancer development and progression.
  • Understanding AKT pathway alterations in both sporadic and inherited cancers is crucial for therapeutic intervention.
  • Targeting the AKT pathway holds promise for cancer treatment.

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