For example, MSCs could inhibit apoptosis by regulating matrix metalloproteases and phosphorylation of STAT3 and Akt in vivo [64], inhibiting glutamate excitotoxicity and decreasing the levels of Ca2+ and surface GluR1 [65], or activating anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 and inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and pro-apoptotic molecule Bax after cerebral ischemia [66]. Here, AKT1 is linked to brain ischemia.