The SGK1 (serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1) gene is associated with a number of pathophysiological processes such as autophagy, ion transport, proliferation, metabolic, inflammation, syndrome and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Cellular dehydration, increased extracellular salt concentration, hormones such as glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, transforming growth factor β and mediators (cytokines) such as interleukin -6, stimulates SGK1 action. SGK1 gene expression is regulated by cellular signals involving cytosolic Ca2+, cyclic AMP (adenosine monophosphate), stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK2 (serine/threonine-protein kinase 2), p38 kinase), protein kinase C. Also, insulin and insulin-like growth factor, ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) 1/2, and hepatic growth factor induces SGK1 transcription. Upregulation of SGK1 is observed in diabetes, liver cirrhosis, glomerulonephritis, dialysis and several tumors.
