AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3 compose the AKT family of serine/threonine kinanses. The AKT family plays an important role in cell survival and proliferation. As such, AKT is a known oncogene involved in the survivability of cancer cells and resistance to apoptosis. It is activated downstream of PI 3-kinase and activation is promoted by growth factors. Cells entering apoptosis will turn off AKT activity.