Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K)

Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) refers collectively to a family of lipid kinases essential for transducing extracellular cues into critical cellular responses governing growth/survival/metabolism—and whose dysregulation underlies many human diseases including cancer. They phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol lipids, generating PIP3, which recruits downstream signaling proteins like AKT and mTOR, leading to diverse cellular effects. Class I PI3Ks are heterodimeric complexes consisting of a catalytic subunit (p110 isoforms) and a regulatory subunit (p85 isoforms). Aberrant activation of PI3Ks, particularly through mutations in PIK3CA, is frequently observed in cancer, making them attractive drug targets. Isoform-specific inhibitors are in development to minimize off-target effects and improve therapeutic efficacy.

Other names

PI3 KinasePhosphoinositide 3-kinases

Inhibition of PI3K activity, blocking downstream signaling pathways like AKT/mTOR