AKT1 (PKB) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that regulates many processes including metabolism, proliferation, cell survival, growth and angiogenesis. This is mediated through serine and/or threonine phosphorylation of a range of downstream substrates. AKT1 regulates glucose uptake by mediating insulin-induced translocation of the SLC2A4/GLUT4 glucose transporter to the cell surface. Furthermore, AKT1 has an important role in the regulation of NF-kappa-B-dependent gene transcription and positively regulates the activity of CREB1. AKT proteins are important for brain development, and AKT1 is a key modulator of the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and controls various elements of newborn neuron integration during adult neurogenesis, including correct neuron positioning, speed of radial migration, dendritic development and synapse formation. Downregulation of AKT1 may contribute to neurodegeneration in diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, mutations in AKT1 are causative for Proteus syndrome. In immunohistochemistry of normal tissue, AKT1 has high nuclear positivity in all tissues throughout the body. References: N. Engl. J. Med. 2011. 365 (7): 611–9, PMID: 21793738; Free Radic Biol Med. 2014 Sep;74:118-28, PMID: 24933620; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 May 24;113(21):E2955-64, PMID: 27170189;