Akt-Targeted Library consists of approximately 15,000 compounds that specifically target Akt kinase, also known as Protein Kinase B (PKB). Akt kinase is a vital member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family and plays a crucial role in various cellular processes.
There are three main isoforms of Akt (Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3) identified in human cells. Akt1 is heavily involved in cellular survival pathways by inhibiting apoptotic processes. It also plays a role in inducing protein synthesis pathways, making it a pivotal signaling protein in the cellular pathways responsible for skeletal muscle hypertrophy and general tissue growth. Akt1 has been implicated as a significant factor in various types of cancer due to its ability to block apoptosis and promote cell survival. It was originally identified as an oncogene in the transforming retrovirus AKT8.
The second isoform, Akt2, has important roles in the Insulin signaling pathway and is required to induce glucose transport. The precise function of Akt3 is less clear, but it appears to be predominantly expressed in the brain. Akt activation is associated with tumor cell survival, proliferation, and invasiveness. In fact, the activation of Akt is one of the most frequently observed alterations in human cancer and tumor cells. Tumor cells with constantly active Akt often depend on Akt for their survival.
With its focus on Akt kinase, Akt-Targeted Library provides a valuable resource for studying the intricate cellular processes and signaling pathways associated with Akt. The compounds in the library may hold potential for the development of novel therapeutic agents that target Akt in various pathological conditions, including cancer.
