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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 (PTPN11) Phosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: July 17, 2020
Recent progess in phosphoinositide 3-kinases: oncogenic properties and prognostic and therapeutic implications
1Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, HWCRC, Room 840.2, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. wugu@karmanos.org
Abstract:
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a group of lipid kinases that coordinate various fundamental cellular responses including mitogenic signaling, cell survival and proliferation, vesicular trafficking, cytoskeletal rearrangement and metabolism. Overexpression caused by genetic alterations such as the amplification or gain of copy numbers was frequently observed for various PI3Ks in different human cancers. In recent years, the high-frequency somatic mutations of PIK3CA observed in different human cancers further strengthen the notion that PI3Ks are optimal targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, I summarize current experimental evidence about the transformation capability and oncogenic properties of different PIK3CA mutations identified in human cancers. I also discuss the association of PIK3CA mutations with other genetic markers, as well as the prognostic value of PIK3CA somatic mutations in human cancers. Finally, I discuss the application of PI3Ks as therapeutic targets in human cancers, including targeted and combinational therapies and the potential challenges that confront their clinical applications.
Insights
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks), particularly PIK3CA mutations, are key drivers in human cancers. This review explores their oncogenic properties and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) regulate critical cellular functions like proliferation and survival.
- Genetic alterations, including amplification and mutations, frequently affect PI3Ks in human cancers.
- PIK3CA mutations are common in various cancers, highlighting PI3Ks as therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the transformation capability and oncogenic properties of PIK3CA mutations in human cancers.
- To discuss the association of PIK3CA mutations with genetic markers and their prognostic value.
- To explore PI3K-targeted therapies and combination strategies for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental evidence on PIK3CA mutations.
- Analysis of genetic alterations and their correlation with cancer development.
- Evaluation of PI3K-targeted and combinational therapies in clinical applications.
Main Results:
- PIK3CA mutations exhibit significant transformation capability and oncogenic properties.
- Specific PIK3CA mutations are linked to other genetic markers and influence cancer prognosis.
- PI3Ks represent promising targets for novel cancer therapies.
Conclusions:
- PIK3CA mutations are crucial in cancer pathogenesis and serve as biomarkers.
- Targeted and combinational therapies against PI3Ks offer therapeutic opportunities.
- Overcoming challenges in clinical application is essential for effective PI3K-targeted cancer treatment.
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