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Role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in regulating gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis (Review)

Chengzhi Cong1, Yuan Wang1, Jian Liu1

  • 1Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China.

Molecular Medicine Reports
|May 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves joint inflammation and destruction. This review explores how the PI3K/AKT pathway influences RA gene expression and discusses potential treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing synovial inflammation and joint destruction.
  • RA significantly impacts patient quality of life, leading to deformity, functional loss, and disability.
  • The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is crucial in regulating inflammatory responses, cell survival, and gene expression within RA pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in modulating gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • To summarize the impact of PI3K/AKT on key genes, including cytokines and non-coding RNAs, in RA.
  • To discuss the interactions between PI3K/AKT and other signaling pathways, alongside current RA therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on PI3K/AKT signaling in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Analysis of research detailing gene expression modulation by PI3K/AKT in RA.
  • Examination of studies on pathway crosstalk and therapeutic interventions for RA.

Main Results:

  • The PI3K/AKT pathway significantly influences the expression of critical genes in RA pathogenesis.
  • Specific cytokines and non-coding RNAs are shown to be modulated by PI3K/AKT signaling in RA.
  • Interactions between PI3K/AKT and other signaling pathways are identified, offering insights into RA mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • The PI3K/AKT pathway is a key regulator in rheumatoid arthritis, affecting inflammatory and cellular processes.
  • Understanding PI3K/AKT's role in gene expression and pathway crosstalk is vital for developing targeted RA therapies.
  • Further research into PI3K/AKT modulation holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis.
Keywords:
PI3K/AKT signaling pathwaygene expressioninflammationnon‑coding RNAsrheumatoid arthritis

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