Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
Published on: April 22, 2016
Current perspectives on Akt Akt-ivation and Akt-ions
Ronald W Matheny1, Martin L Adamo
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Abstract:
The serine/threonine kinase Akt is an effector of PI3K-generated phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3] and is a principle mediator of growth factor-induced signal transduction. Akt is activated through phosphorylation by specific kinases, and its activity is reduced directly by phosphorylation-site-specific phosphatases. In addition, Akt activity is effectively reduced by the action of phosphatases which dephosphorylate PI(3,4,5)P3, thereby reducing the levels of the essential lipid activators of PDK1 and Akt. The functions of Akt are pleiotropic and include regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation, protein synthesis, and survival. Akt stimulates protein synthesis through actions on mTOR/p70S6K, and promotes survival by phosphorylating and inactivating pro-apoptotic molecules such as Ask1, Bad, Bax, and FoxO3a. Furthermore, loss of Akt decreases the intracellular ATP:AMP ratio, thus establishing a role for Akt in energy regulation. Three isoforms of Akt have been identified, and although redundant functions between isoforms exist, recent investigations have enumerated unique functions for each. Therefore, targeting specific Akt isozymes in a tissue- and context-specific fashion may lead to a greater understanding of Akt-mediated processes.
Related Concept Videos
Transition State Theory
Actin Polymerization
The nucleation phase involves forming a stable nucleus consisting of three actin monomers to form a new actin filament. Actin-binding proteins such as formins and Arp2/3 complex help filament growth post-nucleation. The Formins form straight actin...
Radical Reactivity: Overview
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
Enzymes
Enzyme deficiencies can often translate into life-threatening diseases. For example, a genetic abnormality resulting in the deficiency of the enzyme G6PD...
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis

