AKT1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: This complex signaling network has been shown to play a critical role in hepatocarcinogenesis.9, 10, 11 In normal tissues, the PI3K/AKT pathway is negatively regulated by the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten).8 Expression of Pten is reduced in about half of all HCC tumors, leading to constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.12, 13