AKT in thyroid tumorigenesis and progression.

AKT (protein kinase B) is a central signaling molecule in the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase pathway that is frequently activated in human cancer. AKT activation regulates energy metabolism, apoptosis, proliferation, and migration in many cell systems. In thyroid cancer, AKT activation is involved in tumorigenesis, particularly in both inherited and sporadic forms of follicular thyroid cancer. Phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase and AKT signaling also appear to play an important role in progression of both papillary and follicular cancers. In this review, the role of AKT in thyroid cancer development and progression are discussed with a focus on areas of current debate in the literature.