Akt, also referred to as PKB or Rac, plays a critical role in controlling survival and apoptosis. This protein kinase is activated by insulin and various growth and survival factors to function in a wortmannin-sensitive pathway involving PI3 kinase. Akt is activated by phospholipid binding and activation loop phosphorylation at Thr308 by PDK1 and by phosphorylation within the carboxy terminus at Ser473. The previously elusive PDK2 responsible for phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 has been identified as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in a rapamycin-insensitive complex withrictor and Sin1. Akt promotes cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis through phosphorylation and inactivation of several targets, including Bad, forkhead transcription factors, c-Raf, and caspase-9. PTEN phosphatase is a major negative regulator of the PI3 kinase/Akt signaling pathway. LY294002 is a specific PI3 kinase inhibitor. Another essential Akt function is the regulation of glycogen synthesis through phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK-3alpha and beta. Akt may also play a role in insulin stimulation of glucose transport. In addition to its role in survival and glycogen synthesis, Akt is involved in cell cycle regulation by preventing GSK-3beta-mediated phosphorylation and degradation of cyclin D1 and by negatively regulating the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p27 Kip1 and p21 Waf1/Cip1. Akt also plays a critical role in cell growth by directly phosphorylating mTOR in a rapamycin-sensitive complex containing raptor. More importantly, Akt phosphorylates and inactivates tuberin (TSC2), an inhibitor of mTOR within the mTOR-raptor complex.
Specificity:Human
Intended Use:The Akt Isoform Specific Antibody Sampler BioAssay™ Kit provides an economical means of distinguishing between the three Akt isoforms, Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3, as well as a pan-Akt antibody. The kit provides enough primary and secondary antibodies to perform two Western blot experiments.
Applications:Suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilution:Western Blot: 1:500-1:2000Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Storage and Stability:May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.
