### AKT1 Gene Overview

#### Basic Information
- **Gene Symbol**: AKT1
- **Chromosomal Location**: Chromosome 14, band q32.33
- **Protein**: AKT serine/threonine kinase 1

#### Summary
The AKT1 gene encodes a protein that is part of the AKT serine/threonine kinase family, which plays a pivotal role in several cellular processes, including metabolism, growth, survival, and angiogenesis. AKT1 is activated via phosphorylation by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), facilitating its recruitment to the plasma membrane and subsequent activation by additional phosphorylation events.

### 1. Associated Genes
AKT1 interacts with and regulates several other genes and proteins, including:
- **PTEN**: A tumor suppressor that negatively regulates the PI3K/AKT pathway.
- **GSK3A/B**: Glycogen synthase kinase 3 isoforms which are inhibited by AKT1.
- **TSC2**: Tuberous sclerosis complex 2, involved in mTOR pathway regulation.
- **FOXO factors (e.g., FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4)**: These transcription factors play roles in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation.
- **RPTOR**: Part of the mTOR signaling pathway that integrates nutrient and growth factor signals.
- **STK3 (MST2) and STK4 (MST1)**: Kinases that are inhibited by AKT1 phosphorylation.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
The AKT1 gene has implications in aging processes and age-related diseases due to its involvement in key pathways related to cell survival and metabolism. Dysregulation of the AKT pathway has been implicated in diseases associated with aging, such as:
- **Type 2 Diabetes**: Due to its role in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis.
- **Cancer**: Altered AKT signaling contributes to the development of age-related cancers.
- **Alzheimer’s Disease**: There is evidence suggesting that aberrant AKT signaling can affect processes relevant to dementia, influencing neuronal survival and metabolism.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Several drugs and drug classes can influence AKT1 activity, either directly or indirectly. These include:
- **mTOR Inhibitors**: Such as rapamycin and its derivatives, which affect signaling downstream of AKT1.
- **PI3K Inhibitors**: Such as idelalisib and copanlisib, used in cancer therapy, as they downregulate the pathway upstream of AKT1.
- **Insulin and Insulin Analogues**: These enhance AKT1 activation through the insulin signaling pathway.
- **Metformin**: An antidiabetic drug that has been suggested to exert some of its effects through the inhibition of the AKT pathway.
- **Selective inhibitors for cancer therapies**: Small molecules targeting AKT or its downstream components are being developed for cancer treatment.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
AKT1 is involved in various signaling pathways and biological processes, including:
- **PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway**: Central to cell growth and survival; regulates processes from metabolism to apoptosis.
- **Insulin signaling pathway**: Modulates glucose uptake and metabolism.
- **mTOR signaling pathway**: Regulates cell growth, proliferation, and protein synthesis.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Influences cell cycle progression through interactions with various cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases.
- **Apoptosis**: Inhibits programmed cell death through action on pro-apoptotic factors.
- **Cell Migration and Adhesion**: Associated with processes important in development and cancer metastasis.
- **Neurogenesis and Synaptic Plasticity**: Influences neuron development, particularly in the context of adult neurogenesis.

Identifying additional roles of AKT1 in these processes can aid in understanding its function in health and disease. Its central significance in many cellular pathways makes it a critical target for investigating therapeutic interventions, especially in cancer and metabolic disorders.