What is the Origin of PI-3K/AKT1 Pathway?

This term is derived from molecular biology and cell signaling research, representing a canonical pathway discovered for its role in cell growth and survival. The sequential naming reflects the key enzymatic components: PI-3K, which phosphorylates lipids, and AKT1, which is a serine/threonine kinase activated by these phosphorylated lipids. Understanding this cascade is essential for developing targeted therapeutic agents.

What is the Mechanism of PI-3K/AKT1 Pathway?

Activation begins when an extracellular signal, such as insulin, binds to its receptor, leading to the activation of PI-3K. PI-3K then phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol lipids in the cell membrane, generating phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). PIP3 acts as a docking site, recruiting and activating AKT1. Once activated, AKT1 phosphorylates numerous downstream targets, which ultimately promote glucose uptake, inhibit apoptosis, and stimulate protein synthesis, thus mediating the cell's response to growth and survival signals.

PI-3K/AKT1 Pathway

Meaning

The PI-3K/AKT1 pathway, short for Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B (AKT1) signaling cascade, is a crucial intracellular pathway that regulates fundamental cellular functions, including metabolism, proliferation, cell survival, and angiogenesis. It is a major downstream effector of growth factor and hormone signaling, notably insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in a wide range of human diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.