AKT antibody

Ref. 3D-70R-49354

Product Information

• Name: AKT antibody
• Brand: Biosynth
• Description: Akt, also known as Protein Kinase B (PKB), is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that plays a central role in various cellular processes. It's a key player in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which is essential for regulating cell growth, survival, metabolism, and proliferation.Structure: Akt has three main isoforms in humans (Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3), each encoded by different genes. Activation: Akt activation is typically initiated by external signals, such as growth factors or insulin, that bind to cell surface receptors. This activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), which then produces phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) on the cell membrane. PIP3 then recruits Akt to the membrane where it is activated by two key phosphorylation events at Thr308 and Ser473. Once fully activated, Akt can move to different parts of the cell to phosphorylate its target proteins.The key functions of Akt include:Cell Survival and Anti-Apoptosis: Akt inhibits apoptosis by phosphorylating and inactivating several pro-apoptotic proteins, such as BAD and Caspase-9.Cell Growth and Proliferation: By promoting protein synthesis and inhibiting pathways that would otherwise halt the cell cycle, Akt encourages cell growth. It activates mTOR, a major regulator of protein synthesis and cellular growth.Metabolic Regulation: Akt influences metabolism by increasing glucose uptake and glycolysis, primarily through GLUT4 translocation and hexokinase activation, which is especially important in muscle and adipose tissues.Angiogenesis: Akt can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels by increasing the expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), supporting tissue growth and repair.Cell Migration and Invasion: Akt is involved in processes that facilitate cell motility, aiding in wound healing and, unfortunately, in the spread of cancer cells.Given its role in promoting cell survival and growth, Akt is frequently hyperactivated in cancers, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor growth. Many cancer therapies target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to suppress this hyperactivity. Furthermore Akt's role in regulating glucose metabolism links it to insulin signaling. Defects in this pathway can impair glucose uptake, contributing to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.