PI3K/PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathways in Germ Cell Development and Their Involvement in Germ Cell Tumors and Ovarian Dysfunctions
Massimo De Felici, Francesca Gioia Klinger
Abstract
Several studies indicate that the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling pathways are critical regulators of ovarian function including the formation of the germ cell precursors, termed primordial germ cells, and the follicular pool maintenance. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the functional role of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathways during primordial germ cell development and the dynamics of the ovarian primordial follicle reserve and how dysregulation of these signaling pathways may contribute to the development of some types of germ cell tumors and ovarian dysfunctions.
Topics & Concepts
PTENPI3K/AKT/mTOR pathwayGerm cellBiologyProtein kinase BCancer researchSignal transductionCell biologyGerm cell tumorsCell growthCell signalingGeneticsGeneChemotherapyPI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in cancerReproductive Biology and FertilityPolyamine Metabolism and Applications