Overview:

AKT 3 or Protein Kinase B (PKB ) is a serine/threonine kinase that is a member of the AKTγ (PKBγB family. AKT 3 is activated in cells exposed to diverse stimuli such as hormones, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components (1). AKT 3 phosphorylates and regulates the function of many cellular proteins involved in processes that include cellular metabolism, survival/apoptosis, and proliferation. Recent evidence indicates that AKT 3 is frequently overexpressed in many types of human cancers including breast and prostate (2).

References:

1. Coffer, PJ. et al: Protein kinase B (c-Akt): a multifunctional mediator of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Biochem J. 1998 Oct 1; 335 (Pt 1): 1-13.

2. Anderson, KE. et al: Translocation of PDK-1 to the plasma membrane is important in allowing PDK-1 to activate protein kinase B. Curr Biol. 1998 Jun 4;8(12): 684-91.