PI3KAKTsignalvägen

PI3KAktsignalvägen, which translates to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, is a crucial intracellular signaling cascade involved in regulating a wide range of cellular processes. This pathway is activated by various extracellular signals, such as growth factors and hormones, binding to receptor tyrosine kinases on the cell surface.

Upon activation, the receptor tyrosine kinase recruits and activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). PI3K then phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to produce phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). PIP3 acts as a second messenger, recruiting and activating downstream kinases, most notably Akt (also known as Protein Kinase B).

Activated Akt then phosphorylates a multitude of target proteins, influencing processes like cell growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, and migration. It can inhibit pro-apoptotic proteins, promote protein synthesis, and regulate glucose uptake.

Due to its central role in cell survival and proliferation, dysregulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway is frequently observed in various cancers, making it a significant target for therapeutic interventions. Inhibitors that target components of this pathway, such as PI3K or Akt inhibitors, are being developed and used in cancer treatment. The complexity and importance of this pathway highlight its fundamental role in both normal cellular function and disease pathogenesis.