PI 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling
The PI 3-Kinase/Akt signaling pathway is involved in fundamental cellular processes including protein synthesis, proliferation and survival. PI 3-kinase is activated following ligand binding to a range of receptors such as integrin receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, cytokine receptors and some 7-TM receptors.
PI 3-kinase promotes PIP3 formation, which translocates Akt to cell membranes and allows Akt activation through phosphorylation mediated by phosphoinositide dependent kinase 1 (PDK1). Akt mediates many of the downstream actions of PI 3-kinase, which include activation of mTOR and p70 S6K to promote protein synthesis, inhibition of Bad to attenuate the proapoptotic signal and regulation of neuronal functioning through interactions with GABAA receptors. Furthermore, Akt is a key regulator of insulin signaling and glucose metabolism.
PI3K-AKT Signaling Poster
This PI3K-AKT Signaling poster provides an overview of the key molecular targets and their interactions involved in this pathway.
Akt Signaling Pathway
The Akt signaling pathway plays a key role in the mediation of protein synthesis, metabolism, proliferation and cell cycle progression. It may be referred to as a 'prosurvival' pathway.