Overview:

AKT2 or Protein Kinase B β (PKBβ) is a serine/threonine kinase that is a member of the AKT family. AKT2 like the other AKT members is activated in cells in response to diverse stimuli such as hormones, growth factors and extracellular matrix components and is involved in glucose metabolism, transcription, survival, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and cell motility. The PI3K generates phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), a lipid second messenger essential for the translocation of AKT2 to the plasma membrane where it is phosphorylated and activated by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1). AKT 3 or Protein Kinase B γ (PKBγ) is a serine/threonine kinase that is a member of the AKT family. AKT 3 is activated in cells exposed to diverse stimuli such as hormones, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components (3). AKT 3 phosphorylates and regulates the function of many cellular proteins involved in processes that include cellular metabolism, survival/apoptosis, and proliferation. Recent evidence indicates that AKT 3 is frequently overexpressed in many types of human cancers including breast and prostate (4).

References:

1. Coffer, PJ. et al: Protein kinase B (c-Akt): a multifunctional mediator of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Biochem J. 1998 Oct 1; 335 ( Pt 1):1-13.

2. Anderson, KE. et al: Translocation of PDK-1 to the plasma membrane is important in allowing PDK-1 to activate protein kinase B. Curr Biol. 1998 Jun 4;8(12): 684-91.

3. Coffer, PJ. et al: Protein kinase B (c-Akt): a multifunctional mediator of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Biochem J. 1998 Oct 1; 335 (Pt 1): 1-13.

4. Anderson, KE. et al: Translocation of PDK-1 to the plasma membrane is important in allowing PDK-1 to activate protein kinase B. Curr Biol. 1998 Jun 4;8(12): 684-91.