PI3K/AKT SIGNALING PATHWAY, KEY REGULATOR OF CELL GROWTH AND SURVIVAL
The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is a central regulator of essential cellular processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, cell growth, survival, metabolism, and motility. It is activated by a variety of extracellular signals, including growth factors, hormones, and nutrients. Once activated, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) catalyzes the production of PIP3, which in turn activates the serine/threonine kinase Akt. This activation triggers a cascade of downstream effects crucial for cell survival and proliferation.
AnyGenes offers high-quality qPCR arrays specifically designed to analyze the expression of genes involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. These solutions enable researchers to perform detailed studies on the pathway’s role in various physiological and pathological conditions, contributing to the development of targeted therapies and disease understanding.
Upstream activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PI3K/AKT SIGNALING PATHWAY
PI3K: initiates the pathway by converting PIP2 to PIP3, a second messenger that activates Akt.
Akt (Protein Kinase B): central kinase transmitting signals downstream to regulate key processes like metabolism, cell cycle progression, and anti-apoptosis.
mTOR (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin): activated by Akt, mTOR controls protein synthesis and cell growth, linking the pathway to metabolic processes.
The pathway is activated by growth factors binding to RTKs, PI3K produces PIP3, and AKT phosphorylates downstream proteins to regulate cell survival, growth, metabolism, and angiogenesis.
The pathway involves multiple genes: PIK3CA, AKT1/2/3, PTEN, and downstream effectors like mTOR. Studying these genes clarifies the pathway’s role in health and disease.
Activated AKT phosphorylates pro-apoptotic proteins like BAD and caspase-9, while increasing survival proteins such as Bcl-2, preventing programmed cell death.
You can explore our curated list of PI3K/AKT biomarkers in the table below to check if they align with your research objectives. If your genes of interest are not listed, you can customize your own SignArrays® by downloading and completing our Personalized SignArrays® information file. Send it to [email protected] to get started on your project.
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