Title:Biological Role of AKT and Regulation of AKT Signaling Pathway by Thymoquinone: Perspectives in Cancer Therapeutics
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Author(s): Md. Junaid, Yeasmin Akter, Syeda Samira Afrose, Mousumi Tania and Md. Asaduzzaman Khan*
Affiliation:
- The research center for preclinical medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou,China
Keywords:
AKT signaling pathway, carcinogenesis, PIK3, PTEN, thymoquinone, cancer therapeutics.
Abstract:
Background: AKT/PKB is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions, and
its overexpression is related to carcinogenesis. AKT stimulates different signaling pathways that are
downstream of activated tyrosine kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, hence functions as an
important target for anti-cancer drugs.
Objective: In this review article, we have interpreted the role of AKT signaling pathway in cancer and
the natural inhibitory effect of Thymoquinone (TQ) in AKT and its possible mechanisms.
Method: We have collected the updated information and data on AKT, its role in cancer and the inhibitory
effect of TQ in AKT signaling pathway from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science,
Elsevier, Scopus, and many more.
Results: Many drugs are already developed, which can target AKT, but very few among them have
passed clinical trials. TQ is a natural compound, mainly found in black cumin, which has been found
to have potential anti-cancer activities. TQ targets numerous signaling pathways, including AKT, in
different cancers. In fact, many studies revealed that AKT is one of the major targets of TQ. The preclinical
success of TQ suggests its clinical studies on cancer.
Conclusion: This review article summarizes the role of AKT in carcinogenesis, its potent inhibitors in
clinical trials, and how TQ acts as an inhibitor of AKT and TQ’s future as a cancer therapeutic drug.