Researchers identify target for cancer drugs
... draw Akt to the surface. In a sense, PTEN keeps a leash on Akt and thus suppresses cell division. But when PTEN is mutated and unable to function, Akt breaks free. It makes its way to the cell membrane where other proteins activate it, thereby enabling Akt to contribute to tumor growth. "When a cell loses...... overrunning our bodies - if they can keep it on a leash of just the right length. In a collaborative effor...eps p53 inactive until it is needed, acting like a leash on a watchdog. "p53 seems to be an important stress response gene that fights cancer when it works,"...