Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 4, 2026

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
10:27

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

8.0K

Targeting the AKT protein kinase for cancer chemoprevention

James A Crowell1, Vernon E Steele, Judith R Fay

  • 1Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Executive Plaza North, Room 2117, 900 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. jc94h@nih.gov

Molecular Cancer Therapeutics
|August 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the AKT pathway, a key player in cancer development, shows promise for cancer prevention. This review highlights AKT

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Signal Transduction

Background:

  • The AKT pathway is frequently hyperactivated in human cancers.
  • AKT protein kinase signals from growth factors and oncogenes.
  • AKT controls crucial elements in tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review available data supporting AKT kinase targeting for cancer prevention.
  • To present evidence for AKT up-regulation in preneoplastic lesions.
  • To discuss the viability of down-regulating AKT signaling for cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing data on AKT pathway in cancer.
  • Analysis of AKT expression in preneoplastic lesions.
  • Evaluation of drug development efforts targeting AKT kinase.

Main Results:

  • AKT is up-regulated in preneoplastic lesions across various tissues.
  • Targeting AKT kinase is a potential strategy for cancer prevention.
  • Down-regulation of AKT signaling may prevent cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • The AKT pathway is a critical target for cancer prevention strategies.
  • Evidence supports the role of AKT in early stages of cancer.
  • Further development of AKT inhibitors could lead to effective cancer prevention methods.

More Related Videos

Identification of Novel CK2 Kinase Substrates Using a Versatile Biochemical Approach11:11

Identification of Novel CK2 Kinase Substrates Using a Versatile Biochemical Approach

Published on: February 21, 2019

7.9K
A Method for Screening and Validation of Resistant Mutations Against Kinase Inhibitors12:40

A Method for Screening and Validation of Resistant Mutations Against Kinase Inhibitors

Published on: December 7, 2014

15.3K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.0K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
5.0K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
5.9K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
6.1K
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis02:15

M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis

Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
6.7K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
6.3K