AKT1 is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, survival, and metabolism. This protein is part of the AKT signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in regulating how cells respond to signals from their environment. Mutations in the AKT1 gene can lead to abnormal protein function, contributing to the development of certain cancers, such as breast cancer and glioblastoma. Understanding AKT1 is important for researchers studying cancer biology and developing targeted therapies that can inhibit its activity in affected cells.