PI3K/A0153

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA), also known as A0153, is part of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase enzyme (PI3K).

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA), also known as A0153, is part of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase enzyme (PI3K). This enzyme is made up of two subunits, p85 and a catalytic p110. The p110 subunit can be either an alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA) or a gamma peptide encoded by a separate gene (PIK3CG). PI3K and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) regulate the production of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3), an important second messenger in the cell. In neurons, Shi et al. (2003) have demonstrated a role for the PI3K signaling pathway in determining cell polarity and axon formation. PIK3CA is expressed at similar levels in all brain regions. Mutations in this gene have been associated with various cancers in humans. Knocking out this gene in mice is prenatal lethal. Shi, S.-H.; Jan, L. Y.; Jan, Y.-N. :Hippocampal neuronal polarity specified by spatially localized mPar3/mPar6 and PI 3-kinase activity. Cell 2003 112:63–75. PubMed ID : 12526794