phosphoinositide 3-kinase

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is an enzyme involved in cellular processes like growth, survival, and metabolism. It acts as part of a signaling pathway that responds to external signals such as growth factors. When activated, PI3K modifies specific lipids in the cell membrane, which triggers a cascade of events inside the cell, ultimately promoting cell growth and survival. This pathway is crucial for normal cell function, but when it malfunctions—such as in cancer—it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Researchers study PI3K to develop targeted treatments for various diseases, including cancers and metabolic disorders.