PTEN function in mammalian cell size regulation

The PTEN tumor suppressor gene is a lipid phosphatase that negatively regulates cell survival mediated by the phosphatidyl inositol 3'kinase-protein kinase B/Akt signaling pathway. Recent in vivo studies have revealed a novel role for PTEN in the size control of neurons. Dysregulation of cell growth control by PTEN is associated with the neurological disorder Lhermitte-Duclos disease. PTEN may regulate cell size through effects on protein translation.