An insight into PI3k/Akt pathway and associated protein-protein interactions in metabolic syndrome: A recent update

Akt, a known serine/threonine-protein kinase B has been revealed to be an imperative protein of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Akt is available in three isoforms, Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3. Ubiquitously expressed Akt1 & Akt2 are essential for cell survival and are believed to be involved in regulating glucose homeostasis. PI3K/Akt pathway has been evidenced to be associated with metabolic diseases viz. hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Akt interacting proteins have been revealed to be scaffold proteins of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Notably, some protein-protein interactions are imperative for the inhibition or uncontrolled activation of these signaling pathways. For instance, Akt interacting protein binds with other protein namely, FOXO1 and mTOR, and play a key role in the onset and progression of metabolic syndrome (MS). The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway and associated protein-protein interactions which might serve as a valuable tool for investigators to develop some new promising therapeutic agents in the management of MS.