PI3K/Akt/mTOR · target hub

BECN1

Beclin-1 (BECN1)

BECN1 is a PI3K lipid kinase / regulatory module on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. Plays a central role in autophagy (PubMed:18570871, PubMed:21358617, PubMed:23184933, PubMed:23974797, PubMed:25484083, PubMed:28445460, PubMed:37776275). Acts as a core subunit of the PI3K complex that mediates formation of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate; different complex for… It is indexed under "Class III PI3K (Vps34 complex; autophagy/endosome crosstalk)" on our pathway page for antibodies, inhibitors, and assay guidance.

Back to pathway overviewSearch: BECN1UniProt (Q14457)

Research notes

  • Combine with other genes in the same hub block via genetics or pharmacology to test non-redundant roles of BECN1.
  • Annotate PIK3CA/PTEN and upstream RTK–Ras context when reading p-AKT, mTORC1/2, or lipid outputs.
  • Verify antibody clone, phospho-site, and stimulation; include KD/KO or inhibitor controls.

On the pathway hub (sections)

Genetic lesions & expression context (quick reference)

Type / exampleDomain / context (brief)
Expression contextTissue/cell-type–dependent expression
Rare variantsSporadic variants—require functional validation
Pathway couplingCo-occurs with neighboring nodes on the hub

Naming and prevalence vary by cohort and assay—annotate clinically with COSMIC, ClinVar, OncoKB, and datasheets; research context only.

Assay readouts for BECN1

  • Lipid side: PIP₃/PI(3,4)P₂ probes or PH-domain pulldowns—separate BECN1 from class II/III compartments.
  • Biochemistry: IP–kinase or membrane recruitment; co-IP regulatory partners.
  • Downstream: p-AKT Thr308/Ser473, p-S6K, p-4E-BP1—pair totals and inhibitor titrations.
  • Genetics: PTEN/INPP4 status; NGS/ddPCR for lesions and copy number.

BECN1 experimental notes

Examples below reflect common literature and public resources (e.g., CCLE, DepMap)—validate genotypes, expression, and passage in your own stocks before committing assays.

[1] Cell lines commonly used for BECN1 studies (examples)

  • Tool lines: HEK293T, MCF-7, HCT116, Jurkat, U937—screen by BECN1 expression and pathway context (CCLE/DepMap).
  • Combine with neighbors (PIK3C3, VPS15, NRBF2, ATG14) via KD/pharmacology to test non-redundancy.
  • Overexpression/rescue in HEK293T supports mechanism and IP workflows.
  • Isogenic/CRISPR models separate pathway dependency from bypass survival.

[2] Cell samples for BECN1 Western blot

  • Whole-cell lysates—optimize RIPA/NP-40 per antibody; phosphatase inhibitors for phospho blots.
  • Stimulation: serum starvation ± insulin/EGF or amino-acid withdrawal/refeed as relevant.
  • Controls: siRNA/shRNA, CRISPR KO, or inhibitors to validate band specificity.
  • Loading: BCA normalization; subcellular fractionation when needed.

[3] Tissue samples for BECN1 Western blot

  • Matched tumor/adjacent frozen tissues after pathology review.
  • Mouse GEMM or xenografts—mind species antibody cross-reactivity.
  • Primary cells/PDCs when ethically approved.
  • FFPE needs specialized extraction; frozen tissue preferred for phospho work.

[4] Cell samples for BECN1 immunoprecipitation

  • Tagged overexpression: HEK293T FLAG/HA-BECN1 for complex capture.
  • Endogenous IP: high-expression lines; often ≥1–5×10⁶ cells per IP.
  • Stimulation: ligand or nutrient treatments enrich interactions—pilot time courses.
  • Controls: isotype IgG, empty vector, KD/KO negatives.

Human tissues and primary cells require ethics/IRB approval; tumors are heterogeneous—record histotype, site, and preservation conditions.

Bypass & related pathways

Models & genetics note

Overexpression vs endogenous BECN1 can differ in dosage, splicing, and compartmentation—in organoids/PDX, record passage, matrix, and drug history.

Quick search presets

BECN1BECN1 antibodyPI3K inhibitormTOR inhibitor

BECN1-related antibodies (keyword-biased)

Adds BECN1 keyword bias atop the PI3K/Akt/mTOR antibody pool—if sparse, use presets above or global search.

Neighboring targets (same hub)

PIK3C3VPS15NRBF2ATG14UVRAGRUBCNRUBCNLSH3GLB1

External databases & resources

FAQ

This content supports research reagents and pathway education—not medical advice. Annotate mutations, drug indications, and protocols with authoritative databases, datasheets, and institutional oversight.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-18

Related on this site

See the PI3K/Akt/mTOR hub for neighboring nodes and assay guidance—cross-check MAPK, RTK, metabolism, and autophagy pages as needed.

PI3K/Akt/mTOR·MAPK/ERK·Receptor tyrosine kinase·Metabolism