STK11/LKB1 loss also remodels the tumor microenvironment through PI3K/AKT–FOXO axis-mediated apoptosis suppression and aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways, driving epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stemness (7, 8). The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is cancer.