What Does PI3K Stand For?

PI3K stands for Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase

PI3K, or Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase, is an essential enzyme involved in cellular signaling pathways that regulate a variety of biological processes, including growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It catalyzes the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol lipids in the cell membrane, generating phosphoinositides that serve as second messengers in signal transduction. PI3K is classified into three classes based on its structure and function, with notable roles in cancer, metabolism, and immune responses. Its dysregulation is implicated in numerous diseases, making it a critical target for therapeutic intervention in oncology and other medical fields.