Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Transmembrane Protein Family-Related Markers in Gastric Cancer and Implications for Targeted Therapies
07:47

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Transmembrane Protein Family-Related Markers in Gastric Cancer and Implications for Targeted Therapies

Published on: September 15, 2023

2.3K

The emerging role of PI3K/AKT-mediated epigenetic regulation in cancer

Jennifer M Spangle1, Thomas M Roberts1, Jean J Zhao1

  • 1Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney St, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer
|March 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The PI3-kinase/AKT pathway (PI3K/AKT) drives cancer by altering the epigenome. Understanding this link offers new therapeutic strategies for cancers with overactive PI3K/AKT signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT) pathway is crucial for cell signaling and often dysregulated in cancer.
  • Epigenetic regulation is vital for controlling gene expression and cellular processes like growth and proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how the PI3K/AKT pathway influences the epigenome.
  • To explore the role of PI3K/AKT-epigenome interactions in promoting cancer.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic implications for cancers with hyperactivated PI3K/AKT.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PI3K/AKT pathway signaling.
  • Analysis of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.
  • Examination of cancer-associated gene expression changes.

Main Results:

  • The PI3K/AKT pathway modulates epigenetic modifiers, affecting chromatin structure and gene transcription.
  • Aberrant PI3K/AKT signaling leads to epigenetic alterations that drive oncogenesis.
  • Specific epigenetic targets of PI3K/AKT are implicated in cancer progression.

Conclusions:

  • The interplay between the PI3K/AKT pathway and the epigenome is a key driver of cancer.
  • Targeting PI3K/AKT and its epigenetic effects presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
  • Further research into these connections could revolutionize cancer treatment.

More Related Videos

Identification of Transcription Factor Regulators using Medium-Throughput Screening of Arrayed Libraries and a Dual-Luciferase-Based Reporter11:32

Identification of Transcription Factor Regulators using Medium-Throughput Screening of Arrayed Libraries and a Dual-Luciferase-Based Reporter

Published on: March 27, 2020

7.5K
Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment11:13

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment

Published on: June 9, 2023

2.4K

Related Concept Videos

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...
6.0K
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
4.0K
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.1K
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
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
13.5K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.3K