FosfoAKT

FosfoAKT refers to the phosphorylated form of AKT, a crucial serine/threonine kinase involved in numerous cellular processes. AKT, also known as Protein Kinase B (PKB), is a central node in cell signaling pathways that regulate cell survival, proliferation, growth, and metabolism. Phosphorylation of AKT typically occurs at specific serine residues, most notably Serine 473 and Threonine 308, which is a critical step for its activation.

The activation of AKT, and consequently the formation of fosfoAKT, is primarily mediated by upstream signaling molecules such as Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Growth factors, hormones, and other extracellular stimuli can trigger the activation of PI3K, which in turn generates phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3). PIP3 then recruits AKT to the plasma membrane, where it can be phosphorylated by other kinases, including PDK1 (for T308 phosphorylation) and mTORC2 (for S473 phosphorylation).

Once phosphorylated, fosfoAKT gains its full catalytic activity and phosphorylates a wide range of downstream substrates. These substrates include proteins involved in apoptosis (e.g., BAD), cell cycle progression (e.g., p21, p27), glucose metabolism (e.g., GSK3β, AS160), and protein synthesis (e.g., TSC2). The dysregulation of AKT signaling, often leading to its hyperphosphorylation and constitutive activation (high levels of fosfoAKT), is implicated in the development and progression of various diseases, particularly cancer. Many cancer therapies target the PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit the growth and survival of cancer cells.