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PI3K in cancer-stroma interactions: bad in seed and ugly in soil

E Hirsch1, E Ciraolo1, I Franco1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences-Center for Molecular Biotechnology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.

Oncogene
|July 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling drives tumor growth and impacts the tumor microenvironment. PI3K inhibition is a key therapeutic strategy for various cancers, influencing immunity, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Signaling Pathways

Background:

  • The phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is crucial for tumor initiation and progression.
  • PI3K plays a vital role not only in cancer cells but also in the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME).
  • Targeting PI3K is an emerging therapeutic strategy for both solid and hematological malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of PI3K signaling in tumorigenesis.
  • To explore the intricate interactions between tumor cells and the TME mediated by PI3K.
  • To highlight the specific involvement of PI3Ks in immune responses, angiogenesis, and metastasis within the TME.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PI3K signaling in cancer.
  • Analysis of PI3K's role in tumor cell autonomous functions.
  • Examination of PI3K's influence on non-cancerous cells within the TME.

Main Results:

  • PI3K signaling is integral to tumor cell proliferation, survival, and evolution.
  • PI3K pathways modulate immune cell function within the TME, affecting anti-tumor immunity.
  • PI3K activity is implicated in promoting tumor angiogenesis and facilitating metastasis formation.

Conclusions:

  • PI3K signaling is a central regulator of cancer development and progression.
  • Understanding PI3K's dual role in tumor cells and the TME is critical for effective cancer therapy.
  • Targeting PI3K offers a promising avenue for treating diverse cancers by modulating tumor growth and spread.

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