How Does the PI3K-Akt Pathway Contribute to Cancer?
In the context of cancer, the PI3K-Akt pathway often becomes dysregulated, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and survival. Mutations, amplifications, or overexpression of components within this pathway, such as PI3K, Akt, or PTEN (a tumor suppressor that negatively regulates this pathway), are frequently observed in various types of cancers. This dysregulation can lead to enhanced proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and increased metastatic potential.
