AKT1 (AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1, also known as Protein Kinase B alpha, PKBα) is a highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase that functions as a central regulator of cell survival, growth, metabolism, and intracellular signaling across a wide range of species. AKT1 is a member of the AKT/PKB kinase family, which includes AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3, key components of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway. Activation of AKT1 occurs when PI3K-generated phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) recruits AKT to the plasma membrane, where it is phosphorylated by kinases such as PDK1 and mTORC2. Once activated, AKT1 phosphorylates numerous downstream substrates that regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition, glucose metabolism, protein synthesis, and cellular growth. Through these actions, AKT1 integrates signals from growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and receptor-mediated pathways, influencing processes such as development, immune cell activation, and tissue homeostasis. Because the PI3K–AKT signaling pathway is critical for maintaining normal cellular function, dysregulation of AKT1 activity is associated with cancer, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and immune dysregulation in many organisms. Due to its central role in cellular signaling and its strong evolutionary conservation, AKT1 is widely studied in cell biology, immunology, developmental biology, and disease research across diverse species.