Akt, which is sometimes called protein kinase B (PKB) is an intracellular kinase that is important in a number of cellular functions, including regulation of glucose metabolism and cell growth. It is a kinase in the insulin signalling pathway, and insulin activation of Akt will result in GLUT 4 translocation to the cell membrane, thereby stimulating glucose uptake. Overexpression of Akt in the heart can cause a marked hypertrophy of the muscle.