Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Identification of Transcription Factor Regulators using Medium-Throughput Screening of Arrayed Libraries and a Dual-Luciferase-Based Reporter
Published on: March 27, 2020
Oncogenic PI3K deregulates transcription and translation
Andreas G Bader1, Sohye Kang, Li Zhao
1Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Abstract:
There have long been indications of a role for PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) in cancer pathogenesis. Experimental data document a requirement for deregulation of both transcription and translation in PI3K-mediated oncogenic transformation. The recent discoveries of cancer-specific mutations in PIK3CA, the gene that encodes the catalytic subunit p110alpha of PI3K, have heightened the interest in the oncogenic potential of this lipid kinase and have made p110alpha an ideal drug target.
Insights
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) plays a key role in cancer development. Cancer-specific mutations in PIK3CA highlight the p110alpha subunit of PI3K as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling is implicated in cancer pathogenesis.
- Deregulation of gene transcription and translation is essential for PI3K-driven oncogenic transformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PI3K in cancer.
- To highlight the p110alpha subunit as a potential drug target.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental data on PI3K in cancer.
- Analysis of cancer-specific mutations in the PIK3CA gene.
Main Results:
- Experimental evidence supports PI3K's role in oncogenesis.
- Discovery of cancer-associated mutations in PIK3CA, encoding the p110alpha catalytic subunit.
- Identification of p110alpha as a key mediator of PI3K-driven transformation.
Conclusions:
- PI3K is a critical factor in cancer development.
- The p110alpha subunit of PI3K, due to its frequent mutation in cancer, represents a viable therapeutic target.
Related Concept Videos
Abnormal Proliferation
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...

