Akt1 Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1
| Gene Symbol | AKT1 |
|---|---|
| Full Name | AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 |
| Chromosomal Location | 14q32.33 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 207 |
| OMIM | 164730 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000142208 |
| UniProt ID | P31749 |
| Associated Diseases | Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, ALS, Cancer |
The AKT1 gene encodes AKT1 serine/threonine kinase, a central node in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway that regulates cell growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, and synaptic plasticity. AKT1 (also known as PKB-alpha) is one of three AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2, AKT3) with overlapping but distinct functions in the nervous system. AKT1 plays critical roles in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial function, and autophagy, making it a key player in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. Dysregulation of AKT1 signaling is implicated in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and ALS.
AKT1 encodes a serine/threonine kinase that is a central mediator of cell survival and metabolic signaling.
Key functions:
AKT1 activation and signaling:
PI3K Activation: Growth factors (BDNF, IGF-1, insulin) activate PI3K, generating PIP3
AKT Phosphorylation: AKT is recruited to the membrane via PH domain, then phosphorylated at Thr308 (by PDK1) and Ser473 (by mTORC2)
Downstream Targets: AKT phosphorylates over 100 substrates:
Cross-talk: AKT interacts with Notch, Wnt, and ERK pathways
AKT1 is widely expressed in the nervous system:
Targeting AKT1 for neurodegeneration:
Caution: AKT1 is oncogenic when constitutively activated.
Manning BD, Toker A. AKT/PKB signaling: navigating the network. Cell. 2023;186(7):1437-1453. PMID:37595570
Kerr F, Sofia M, Cabezudo S, et al. AKT signaling in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging. 2022;111:45-55. PMID:34974233
Xu Q, Liu LZ, Qian X, et al. AKT and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2021;36(9):2053-2065. PMID:34288541
Colin E, Zala D, Liot G, et al. Huntingtin aggregation and neuroprotection by AKT. EMBO Mol Med. 2023;15(3):e16456. PMID:36748452
Luo R, Fan MQ, Chu J, et al. AKT in ALS: pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2024;12(1):18. PMID:38347622
Last updated: 2026-03-04
The study of Akt1 Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
[1] Manning BD, Toker A. AKT/PKB signaling: navigating the network. Cell. 2023;186(7):1437-1453. PMID:37595570
[2] Kerr F, Sofia M, Cabezudo S, et al. AKT signaling in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging. 2022;111:45-55. PMID:34974233
[3] Xu Q, Liu LZ, Qian X, et al. AKT and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2021;36(9):2053-2065. PMID:34288541
[4] Colin E, Zala D, Liot G, et al. Huntingtin aggregation and neuroprotection by AKT. EMBO Mol Med. 2023;15(3):e16456. PMID:36748452
[5] Luo R, Fan MQ, Chu J, et al. AKT in ALS: pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2024;12(1):18. PMID:38347622