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AKT/PKB signaling: navigating downstream

Brendan D Manning1, Lewis C Cantley

  • 1Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, SPH2-117, Boston, MA 02115, USA. bmanning@hsp.harvard.edu

Cell
|July 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The serine/threonine kinase Akt (protein kinase B) is crucial for cell signaling and implicated in diseases like cancer and diabetes. This review details Akt

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The serine/threonine kinase Akt (also known as protein kinase B or PKB) is a critical signaling molecule.
  • Akt acts as a central hub for cellular responses to external stimuli like growth factors and cytokines.
  • Dysregulation of Akt signaling is linked to various complex diseases, including type-2 diabetes and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular characteristics of Akt.
  • To discuss methods for identifying Akt's cellular targets.
  • To explore Akt substrates involved in key cellular functions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Akt molecular properties.
  • Analysis of studies characterizing Akt cellular targets.
  • Discussion of established and putative Akt substrates.

Main Results:

  • Akt is a key mediator of cell survival, growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, metabolism, and migration.
  • Various molecular approaches are employed to identify Akt targets.
  • Specific Akt substrates are highlighted for their roles in cellular processes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding Akt's molecular properties and targets is essential for comprehending its role in health and disease.
  • Akt's diverse substrates underscore its central role in regulating fundamental cellular activities.
  • Further research into Akt signaling pathways may reveal therapeutic strategies for diseases like cancer and diabetes.

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