MVs activate the AKT/p70S6K/HIF-1α signaling axis in BMSCs. CLL or healthy BMSCs (“normal”) were exposed to MVs with or without presence of wortmannin or rapamycin for 24 hours. BMSC lysates were analyzed for the activation of the AKT/p70S6K signaling pathway as shown by Western blots by the use of specific antibodies. Expression of HIF-1α, a downstream target of AKT/p70S6K axis, also is shown. Actin was used as loading control. MV-mediated modulation of the AKT/p70S6K/HIF-1α axis is shown for better understanding (right).