PI3K/Akt/mTOR · target hub

PDCD4

Programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4)

PDCD4 is a mTORC1 translational output on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. Inhibits translation initiation and cap-dependent translation. May excert its function by hindering the interaction between EIF4A1 and EIF4G. Inhibits the helicase activity of EIF4A. Modulates the activation of JUN kinase. Down-regulates the expression of MAP4K1, thus inhibiting … It is indexed under "MNK, p90 RSK, LARP1 & translation elongation control" on our pathway page for antibodies, inhibitors, and assay guidance.

Back to pathway overviewSearch: PDCD4UniProt (Q53EL6)

Research notes

  • Combine with other genes in the same hub block via genetics or pharmacology to test non-redundant roles of PDCD4.
  • 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 PDCD4

  • Translation: p-S6K, p-RPS6, 4E-BP phospho/supershift, eIF4F assembly.
  • Polysome profiling or puromycin labeling (advanced readouts).
  • mTORC1 block: rapamycin or ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitors—time courses.
  • Cross-read MAPK/MNK axes where substrates overlap.

PDCD4 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 PDCD4 studies (examples)

  • Tool lines: HEK293T, HeLa, MCF-7, HCT116, A549—screen by PDCD4 expression and pathway context (CCLE/DepMap).
  • Combine with neighbors (MKNK1, MKNK2, MAPKAPK2, MAPKAPK3) 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 PDCD4 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 PDCD4 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 PDCD4 immunoprecipitation

  • Tagged overexpression: HEK293T FLAG/HA-PDCD4 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 PDCD4 can differ in dosage, splicing, and compartmentation—in organoids/PDX, record passage, matrix, and drug history.

Quick search presets

PDCD4PDCD4 antibodyPI3K inhibitormTOR inhibitor

PDCD4-related antibodies (keyword-biased)

Adds PDCD4 keyword bias atop the PI3K/Akt/mTOR antibody pool—if sparse, use presets above or global search.

Neighboring targets (same hub)

MKNK1MKNK2MAPKAPK2MAPKAPK3RPS6KA1RPS6KA2RPS6KA3RPS6KA4

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