Activation Mechanism of a Protein Kinase Reveals Role in Cancer Proliferation
08/09/2018
Akt 1 protein kinase plays an essential role in cancer proliferation, which defines cancer aggressiveness. Understanding the full functions of the protein could help advance cancer therapies.
Scientists revealed a different activation mechanism of Akt1 protein kinase by closely studying its molecular interactions.
The results provide a new framework for understanding how Akt 1 is controlled in cell signaling and suggest distinct functions for differentially modified Akt forms. Understanding the full functions of the protein could help advance cancer therapies.
Related Links
- BER Resource: Center for BioMolecular Structure
- Feature Story: Kinase activation mechanism could help cancer research
References
N. Chu, A. L. Salguero, A. Z. Liu, Z. Chen, D. R. Dempsey, S. B. Ficarro, W. M. Alexander, J. A. Marto, Y. Li, L. M. Amzel, S. B. Gabelli, P. A. Cole. “Akt Kinase Activation Mechanisms Revealed Using Protein Semisynthesis,” Cell 174(4):897-907 (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.07.003