Akt1 Gene

AKT1 (AKT Serine / Threonine Kinase 1) is a gene located on chromosome 14q32.33 that encodes AKT serine-threonine protein kinase 1. Originally, AKT1 was identified as an oncogene in the transforming retrovirus AKT8.

The AKT1 protein is one of 3 closely related serine/threonine protein k inases (AKT1 kinae, AKT2 kinaeand AKT3 kinase) collectively referred to as AKT serine-threonine kinases. AKT serine-threonine kinases regulate many processes, including metabolism, proliferation, cell survival, growth, and angiogenesis. Thus, AKT1 is an important mediator of growth factor-induced neuronal survival. Furthermore, serine / threonine protein kinases appear to play a significant role in mediating growth signaling. AKT1 and the related AKT2 are activated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, a platelet-induced growth factor.

Diseases associated with mutations in AKT1 include Proteus syndrome and Cowden syndrome.