Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Published on: August 23, 2024
PI3K: A Crucial Piece in the RAS Signaling Puzzle
Agata Adelajda Krygowska1, Esther Castellano1
1Centre for Cancer and Inflammation, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
RAS proteins are key signaling switches essential for control of proliferation, differentiation, and survival of eukaryotic cells. RAS proteins are mutated in 30% of human cancers. In addition, mutations in upstream or downstream signaling components also contribute to oncogenic activation of the pathway. RAS proteins exert their functions through activation of several signaling pathways and dissecting the contributions of these effectors in normal cells and in cancer is an ongoing challenge. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge about how RAS regulates type I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), one of the main RAS effectors. RAS signaling through PI3K is necessary for normal lymphatic vasculature development and for RAS-induced transformation in vitro and in vivo, especially in lung cancer, where it is essential for tumor initiation and necessary for tumor maintenance.
Insights
RAS proteins regulate cell growth and are mutated in many cancers. This review details how RAS signaling impacts phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), crucial for cell survival and lung cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Oncology
Background:
- RAS proteins are critical signaling regulators controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
- Mutations in RAS proteins or associated pathway components drive approximately 30% of human cancers.
- Understanding RAS effector pathways is vital for cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of RAS regulation of type I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K).
- To highlight the role of RAS-PI3K signaling in normal physiological processes and oncogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on RAS signaling pathways.
- Analysis of studies investigating RAS effector functions, particularly PI3K.
- Synthesis of data on PI3K's role in cellular transformation and cancer.
Main Results:
- RAS signaling activates type I PI3K, a major downstream effector.
- RAS-PI3K pathway is essential for lymphatic vasculature development.
- This signaling axis is critical for RAS-induced cellular transformation, tumor initiation, and maintenance, particularly in lung cancer.
Conclusions:
- RAS-PI3K signaling is a key pathway in both normal development and cancer.
- Targeting the RAS-PI3K interaction may offer therapeutic strategies for cancers driven by RAS mutations.
- Further research into RAS effectors like PI3K is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
The Ras Gene
Ras is a...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
MAPK Signaling Cascades
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:

