The Akt-associated microRNAs.

As master gene regulators, microRNAs are involved in diverse cellular pathways. It is well known that microRNAs are often dysregulated in many types of cancer and other human diseases. In cancer, microRNAs may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Interestingly, recent evidence suggests that microRNA-mediated gene regulation interconnects with the Akt pathway, forming an Akt-microRNA regulatory network. MicroRNAs and Akt in this network work together to exert their cellular functions. Thus, a better understanding of this Akt-microRNA regulatory network is critical to successful targeting of the PI3K/Akt pathway for cancer therapy. We review recent advances in the understanding of how microRNAs affect Akt activity as well as how microRNAs are regulated through the Akt pathway. We also briefly discuss the clinical implication of gene regulation mediated through Akt-associated microRNAs.