We provide preclinical evidence implicating PDK1 as an active driver of IR-resistance by activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, up-modulation of cancer stemness signaling and suppression of DNA damage, thus, projecting PDK1-targeting as a putative enhancer of radiosensitivity and a potential new therapeutic approach for patients with IR-resistant HCC. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is cancer.