How the PI3K/PTEN/Akt pathway drives cancer growth, spread, and treatment side effects
PI3K/PTEN/Akt signaling and the genesis of cancer
Researchers are using lab models to learn how blocking parts of the PI3K/Akt pathway can slow certain breast cancers and why these drugs can cause high blood sugar and other side effects in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285372 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that scientists turn off specific Akt genes in mice after tumors form to mimic what targeted drugs do in people, then watch how tumors grow, spread, and how the body reacts. They focus on how neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and Akt1 control breast cancer spread, and whether blocking Akt1 can reduce metastasis in HER2-enriched, Luminal B, and triple-negative breast cancers. At the same time, the team tracks metabolic and organ toxicities seen in patients — like hyperinsulinemia, high blood sugar, diarrhea, and liver damage — to find the mechanisms behind those side effects. The work combines genetics, mouse tumor models, and cellular studies to connect lab findings to patient observations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with HER2-enriched, Luminal B, or triple-negative breast cancer, or patients treated with PI3K/Akt pathway drugs who are experiencing metabolic side effects, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without these breast cancer subtypes or those seeking immediate clinical benefits should not expect direct benefit from this primarily lab-based work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to more selective Akt1-targeting treatments that slow metastasis while guiding ways to prevent or manage treatment-related high blood sugar and organ toxicity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical and some early clinical work shows targeting PI3K/Akt can slow tumor growth but commonly causes metabolic side effects, so the approach is promising but has known safety challenges.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hay, Nissim — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hay, Nissim
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.