AKT1 encodes a RAC/AKT-type protein kinase that contains a N-terminal pleckstrin-homology (PH) domain and a central catalytic domain closely related to both cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C. The protein is a member of PI3K-mediated signaling pathways associated with the regulation of proliferation, survival, protein synthesis, and metabolism. It is phosphorylated by 3'-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) in response to stimulation by growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and insulin. Activated AKT1 has been shown to phosphorylate and inactivate components of the apoptotic machinery. AKT1 (-/-) mice have been shown to be viable but smaller than wild-type littermates, and they have a reduced lifespan and increased spontaneous apoptosis in several tissues when exposed to stressors. AKT1 protein is the cellular homolog of the product of the retroviral oncogene v-akt, and has been implicated in numerous cancers.
					
More