SGK

Serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinases SGK1, SGK2, and SGK3 are AKT-like AGC kinases whose genes are transcriptionally induced by osmotic, serum, and hormonal stimuli. Like AKT, they require both PDK1 and mTORC2 for full activation, yet their short protein half-life and stress-inducible expression give them distinct signaling dynamics. The best-understood function belongs to SGK1, which phosphorylates the ubiquitin ligase NEDD4-2, disabling ubiquitin-mediated removal of the epithelial sodium channel ENaC and thereby increasing renal sodium reabsorption and blood pressure; SGK1 also phosphorylates FOXO3a, GSK3beta, and components of the p53 pathway. Family members contribute to cell survival under hypertonic stress, ion transport, and tumor progression, and SGK1 inhibitors are being explored for oncology and hypertension indications.