AKT Plays a Crucial Role in Gastric Cancer.

Abstract

The AKT protein is involved in the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signaling pathway and is a vital regulator of survival. proliferation, and differentiation of various types of cells. Helicobacter pylori induce epithelial cell proliferation and oxidative stress in chronic gastritis. These alterations lead to telomere shortening and resultant telomerase activation. Specifically, AKT is activated by H. pylori-induced inflammation; it subsequently promotes expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase, which encodes a catalytic subunit of telomerase; and induces telomerase activity, which is an essential process of carcinogenesis. AKT activation is increased in gastric mucosa with carcinogenic properties and is associated with low survival of patients with gastric cancer. These findings suggest that AKT is pivotal in gastric carcinogenesis and progression.