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Published on: June 14, 2016
Myocardial AKT: the omnipresent nexus
Mark A Sussman1, Mirko Völkers, Kimberlee Fischer
1Department of Biology, San Diego State University, SDSU Heart Institute, San Diego, California 92182, USA. sussman@heart.sdsu.edu
Physiological Reviews
|July 12, 2011
Summary
AKT kinase is a key regulator of heart cell functions, influencing survival, energy, and stress responses. Its dysregulation is linked to heart disease, highlighting its critical role in myocardial biology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Signaling
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- AKT kinase is a central node in integrated signal transduction pathways.
- Its activity is crucial for maintaining myocardial homeostasis, regulating survival, energy production, and contractility.
- Dysregulated AKT activity is implicated in pathological cardiac remodeling and heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of myocardial AKT biology.
- To summarize the extensive influence of AKT on cardiac responses.
- To emphasize AKT's role as an omnipresent regulator in molecular cardiovascular signaling.
Main Methods:
- Review of over a decade of research on AKT in myocardial biology.
- Analysis of signal transduction pathways involving AKT.
- Examination of AKT's role in normal and pathological cardiac conditions.
Main Results:
- AKT kinase acts as a critical molecular sensing node coordinating diverse cellular responses in the heart.
- Regulated AKT activity is essential for myocardial survival, energy metabolism, contractility, and stress response.
- Loss of AKT regulation is a primary factor in heart remodeling and decompensation.
Conclusions:
- AKT signaling is a fundamental component of myocardial molecular biology.
- Understanding AKT's multifaceted roles is essential for addressing cardiovascular diseases.
- AKT's influence on cardiac function underscores its significance as a therapeutic target.
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