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Deregulation of the Akt pathway in human cancer

Eriko Tokunaga1, Eiji Oki, Akinori Egashira

  • 1Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. eriko@surg2.med.kyuhsu-u.ac.jp

Current Cancer Drug Targets
|February 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Akt signaling, a key regulator of cell functions, is frequently disrupted in human cancers. Targeting this pathway offers promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Akt (protein kinase B) is a serine/threonine kinase regulating critical cellular processes like proliferation, survival, and metabolism.
  • Akt activation is PI3K-dependent and negatively regulated by PTEN, a tumor suppressor.
  • Dysregulation of the Akt/PKB/PTEN pathway is implicated in human cancer development, progression, and therapeutic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the Akt signaling pathway, its cellular functions, and its role in human cancers.
  • To discuss alterations in Akt signaling observed in various cancers.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting the Akt pathway for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Akt signaling.
  • Analysis of Akt pathway components and their functions.
  • Examination of Akt pathway alterations in cancer and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Akt signaling disruption is common in human cancers, contributing to tumorigenesis and resistance.
  • Inhibition of Akt signaling can induce tumor cell apoptosis and growth inhibition.
  • Numerous Akt pathway inhibitors have been identified, with some in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • The Akt signaling pathway is a crucial target for effective cancer therapeutics.
  • Understanding Akt pathway alterations is vital for developing novel cancer treatments.
  • Targeting Akt signaling presents a promising strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance in cancer.

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