Therapeutic Implications of Targeting AKT Signaling in Melanoma
Figure 7
Targeting Akt3 inhibits melanoma tumor development. SiRNA targeting Akt3 and downstream PRAS40 is introduced into UACC 903 melanoma cells by Amaxa transfection and effect on xenografted subcutaneous tumors measured. The data shows ~50%–60% decreased tumor volume when the expression of Akt3 and PRAS40 is inhibited compared to control cells transfected with a scrambled siRNA, siRNA to C-Raf, or buffer [21]. Inhibiting Akt activity using pharmacological agent ISC-4 that contains selenium also reduced melanoma tumor growth as effectively as siRNA mediated downregulation of Akt3 expression, indicating the potential utility of developing pharmacological agents targeting this key protein in melanomas [122].
