What Is PI3K–AKT Signaling?

PI3K–AKT signaling is a kinase-based pathway centered around two major components:

• Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)
• Protein kinase B (AKT)

When an appropriate extracellular signal activates a receptor, PI3K can be recruited to the plasma membrane and generate specific phosphoinositide lipid messengers. These membrane-associated signals facilitate the recruitment and activation of AKT.

Activated AKT then influences multiple downstream targets involved in:

• Cell survival
• Cellular growth
• Protein synthesis
• Glucose metabolism
• Cell proliferation
• Cytoskeletal regulation
• Nutrient sensing
• Stress responses

Because several downstream processes can be regulated simultaneously, PI3K–AKT functions as an important