AKT1 Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
PKBα is composed of three main domains:
- Pleckstrin Homology (PH) Domain: This domain is responsible for binding phosphoinositides, which helps in the recruitment of PKBα to the plasma membrane.
- Kinase Domain: This domain is responsible for the enzyme’s catalytic activity.
- Regulatory Domain: This domain contains sites for phosphorylation, which are crucial for the activation of PKBα .
In its inactive state, PKBα resides in the cytosol. Upon cellular stimulation, such as through insulin or growth factors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) generates lipid products that recruit PKBα to the plasma membrane. Here, PKBα undergoes phosphorylation at two key residues: Thr308 in the kinase domain and Ser473 in the regulatory domain. This phosphorylation fully activates PKBα, enabling it to phosphorylate downstream targets .
PKBα is a major mediator of the cellular responses to insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). It plays a pivotal role in:
- Glucose Metabolism: PKBα facilitates glucose uptake by promoting the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the cell membrane.
- Cell Survival: PKBα inhibits apoptosis by phosphorylating and inactivating components of the apoptotic machinery, such as BAD and caspase-9.
- Cell Growth and Proliferation: PKBα promotes protein synthesis and cell growth by activating the mTOR pathway .
PKBα is implicated in various diseases, particularly cancer. Its role in promoting cell survival and growth makes it a key player in tumorigenesis. Overactivation of PKBα is often observed in cancers, where it contributes to uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis . Additionally, PKBα has been linked to metabolic disorders such as diabetes, due to its critical role in insulin signaling .
Recombinant human PKBα is produced using various expression systems, including baculovirus-insect cells. The recombinant protein is typically purified and formulated for use in research and therapeutic applications. It is used to study the biochemical properties of PKBα, screen for potential inhibitors, and understand its role in various signaling pathways .
