Phytochemicals in cancer and their effect on the PI3K/AKT-mediated cellular signalling

Olaf-Georg Issinger1, Barbara Guerra1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.

Insights

Natural phytochemicals show promise in targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway for cancer treatment. This review explores their potential in combating cancer by modulating key cellular activities and signalling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Protein kinases are crucial enzymes regulating cellular functions like gene expression and metabolism.
  • Dysregulation of protein kinases is implicated in major diseases, especially cancer.
  • The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is frequently altered in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of natural phytochemicals in cancer treatment.
  • To explore the connection between phytochemicals and targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
  • To summarize findings from cell culture and animal models.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on natural compounds and cancer.
  • Focus on phytochemicals targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
  • Analysis of data from in vitro and in vivo cancer models.

Main Results:

  • Natural compounds demonstrate efficacy in targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
  • Phytochemicals exhibit anti-cancer properties in cell cultures and animal studies.
  • Evidence suggests a therapeutic role for natural compounds in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Natural phytochemicals represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.
  • Targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway with natural compounds warrants further investigation.
  • Phytochemicals offer a potential avenue for novel cancer treatments.

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...
4.4K
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...
4.0K
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways01:19

Interactions Between Signaling Pathways

Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
6.8K
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...
9.9K
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...
5.2K
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway01:11

IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway

Membrane lipids such as phosphatidylinositol (PI) are precursors for several membrane-bound and soluble second messengers. Specific kinases phosphorylate PI and produce phosphorylated inositol phospholipids. One such inositol phospholipids are the  phosphatidylinositol-4,5 bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2], present in the inner half of the lipid bilayer. Upon ligand binding, GPCR stimulates Gq proteins to turn on phospholipase Cꞵ. Activated phospholipase Cꞵ cleaves PI(4,5)P2 and...
13.2K