AKTR

aktr, also known as AKTR or AktR, is a protein that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, particularly in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. It is a serine-threonine kinase, meaning it phosphorylates other proteins on serine and threonine residues, thereby regulating their activity. This enzyme is a key component of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway, a central regulator of cellular metabolism, growth, and survival.

The PI3K/AKT pathway is activated by growth factors and other extracellular signals, leading to the recruitment and activation of PI3K. Activated PI3K then generates phosphoinositides, which in turn recruit and activate AKT. Once activated, AKT phosphorylates a wide range of downstream targets, influencing processes such as glucose metabolism, protein synthesis, and apoptosis. For instance, AKT can promote cell survival by inhibiting pro-apoptotic proteins and activating anti-apoptotic proteins. It also plays a role in cell cycle progression and cellular differentiation.

Dysregulation of AKT signaling is implicated in numerous human diseases, most notably cancer. Aberrant activation of AKT is frequently observed in various types of tumors, contributing to uncontrolled cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and metastasis. Consequently, AKT has become a significant target for cancer drug development, with several inhibitors currently in clinical trials or use. Beyond cancer, AKT is also involved in other conditions like diabetes and neurological disorders.