PI3K/PDK1/Akt pathways and their fundamental role in Gynecological Cancer

Abstract

The PI3K/PDK1/Akt pathway can regulate a large variety of cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation and survival. Moreover, it is one of the most frequently altered networks in cancer though. The dysregulation of these pathways has been reported in several human cancers, as well as in diabetes, neurological diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Cervical carcinogenesis seems to be associated with increased levels of activated AKT kinase. Moreover, PTEN inactivation is the most common genetic alteration in type1 endometrial cancer. In addition, the PI3K /AKT pathway is related to ovarian carcinomas cell motility and adhesion. This pathway plays an imperative role in cell survival and except for that, it may lead to metastatic and invasive phenotypes of a large variety of malignant cells. A battery of cancerous types has been associated with PI3K/AKT hyperactivation; inhibition of this pathway has been described as a treatment option of malignancy. The role of PI3K-PDK-AKT signaling pathway in gynecological malignancy seems to play a pivotal role, but it necessitates further investigation, which could lead to novel therapeutic strategies of eventual robust advantages to many cancer patients. The aim of that review is to highlight and underline the role of those pathways paving the way of gynecological malignancy.