Several mechanisms can lead to the dysregulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway in cancer, including:
- Mutations in PI3K or Akt: Gain-of-function mutations can result in constitutive activation of the pathway. - Loss of PTEN: Loss-of-function mutations or deletions in PTEN lead to unchecked PI3K activity and sustained Akt activation. - Amplification of upstream signals: Overexpression of growth factor receptors or ligands can excessively activate PI3K.
