TGF-beta 1 may also induce apoptosis resistance of SSc skin fibroblasts by activating Akt, a kinase of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway with potent anti-apoptotic effects [36]; the resistance to apoptosis of SSc fibroblasts probably contributes to the accumulation of activated fibroblasts in the skin, promoting the deposition of extracellular matrix. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is systemic sclerosis.