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The Multifunctional Nature of the MicroRNA/AKT3 Regulatory Axis in Human Cancers

Chun Yang1, Pierre Hardy1,2

  • 1Research Center of CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada.

Cells
|November 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The AKT3 protein, a key regulator in cancer, is controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs). Understanding these miRNA/AKT3 networks can lead to new cancer biomarkers and treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Serine/threonine kinase (AKT) signaling pathways are crucial in cell survival, proliferation, and are frequently dysregulated in cancer, driving tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance.
  • Targeting AKT signaling represents a significant therapeutic strategy in oncology.
  • AKT3 (PKBγ), the least studied AKT isoform, plays a critical role in cancer malignancy, with its expression often elevated in various human cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of AKT3's isoform-specific functions in human cancers.
  • To summarize the roles of dysregulated microRNA (miRNA)/AKT3 interactions in the context of specific human cancers.
  • To highlight the potential of miRNA/AKT3 networks as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on AKT3 and its regulatory miRNAs in cancer.
  • Analysis of studies investigating AKT3 overexpression and its oncogenic roles.
  • Examination of identified miRNA regulatory mechanisms targeting AKT3 expression.

Main Results:

  • AKT3 is frequently overexpressed in human cancers, contributing significantly to malignant progression.
  • Numerous oncogenic and tumor suppressor small non-coding RNAs, particularly miRNAs, have been identified as regulators of AKT3 expression.
  • Dysregulation of specific miRNA/AKT3 networks is implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancer types.

Conclusions:

  • AKT3 is a critical mediator of cancer malignancy, with its expression tightly regulated by miRNAs.
  • Understanding the intricate miRNA/AKT3 regulatory networks is essential for identifying novel cancer biomarkers.
  • Targeting these miRNA/AKT3 interactions holds promise for developing more effective cancer therapies.
Keywords:
AKT signalingAKT3cancercircRNAepigenetic regulationlncRNAmicroRNAsmall non-coding RNAs

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