The emerging role of PI3K/AKT-mediated epigenetic regulation in cancer

Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer. 2017 Aug;1868(1):123-131. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.03.002. Epub 2017 Mar 14.

Abstract

The PI3-kinase/AKT pathway integrates signals from external cellular stimuli to regulate essential cellular functions, and is frequently aberrantly activated in human cancers. Recent research demonstrates that tight regulation of the epigenome is critical in preserving and restricting transcriptional activation, which can impact cellular growth and proliferation. In this review we examine mechanisms by which the PI3K/AKT pathway regulates the epigenome to promote oncogenesis, and highlight how connections between PI3K/AKT and the epigenome may impact the future therapeutic treatment of cancers featuring a hyperactivated PI3K/AKT pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt