Akt is a Serine/threonine Kinase that plays an important role in regulating various biological responses, such as inhibition of apoptosis, stimulation of cell proliferation and regulation angiogenesis and metabolism. Three mammalian isoforms are currently known: Akt1/PKBα, Akt2/PKBβand Akt3/PKBγ and share a common structure of three domains. The AKT signaling pathway is activated by factors that induce PI3K which in turn activates mTOR pathways. These pathways function in the inhibition of apoptosis as well as cell differentiation and cell cycle. AKT signaling has been implicated in various cancers and is an active area of interest for anti-cancer therapeutics.
