Akt1 and Akt2 are required for alpha beta thymocyte survival and differentiation

• Published in: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS Vol. 104; no. 29; pp. 12105 - 12110
• Main Authors: Juntilla, Marisa M, Wofford, Jessica A, Birnbaum, Morris J, Rathmell, Jeffrey C, Koretzky, Gary A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2007
• ISSN: 0027-8424; 1091-6490

The beta -selection checkpoint in alpha beta T lymphocyte development occurs at the double negative (DN) 3 (CD4 super(-)CD8 super(-)CD25 super(+)c-kit super(-)) stage, when further differentiation requires a signal from the newly rearranged TCR beta chain. Thymocytes with mutations in key signaling molecules in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt pathway manifest defects in survival, proliferation, and differentiation past the beta -selection checkpoint. However, little information is available regarding the role of Akt itself in thymocyte development. In this study, we explore the role of the two Akt isoforms most highly expressed in the thymus, Akt1 and Akt2, in early T cell development. Using several complementary approaches, we find that deletion of Akt1 results in only minor defects in thymocyte development. The Akt1 super(-/-)Akt2 super(-/-) thymocytes manifest a severe developmental block at the DN3 stage and ultimately fail to repopulate the T cell compartment of an irradiated host. Further, we show that Akt1 super(-/-)Akt2 super(-/-) DN3 cells have decreased glucose uptake and die in response to TCR stimulation in vitro. Study of thymocytes from the genetically altered mice suggests that the cause of the developmental defect is due to apoptosis, partially caused by decreased cellular growth and metabolism at the DN3 stage. Our results show that Akt protects thymocytes from cell death during the beta -selection checkpoint.