PI3K plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression. When activated, PI3K catalyzes the phosphorylation of the inositol ring of phosphatidylinositol (PIP2) to produce phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3). This leads to the activation of downstream signaling pathways, including the Akt/mTOR pathway, which promotes cell growth, survival, and proliferation. Dysregulation of PI3K signaling, often through mutations or overexpression, can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.
