Background:
AKT/PKB is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions, and its overexpression is
related to the 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 pathways in cancer and natural inhibitory
effect of Thymoquinone (TQ) in AKT and its possible mechanism.
Method:
We have collected the updated information and data on AKT, their role in cancer and inhibitory effect of TQ in
AKT signaling pathway from google scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, Scopus and many more.
Results:
There are many drugs 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.
TNF-α upregulates PTEN via NF-κB signaling pathways in human leukemic cells
