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Dysregulated PI3K/AKT signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma: The tumor microenvironment and epigenetic modifiers

Vinothkumar Veerasamy1, Veeravarmal Veeran2, Siddavaram Nagini1,3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, 608002, Tamil Nadu, India.

Oncology Research
|August 1, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is crucial in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Targeting PI3K/AKT, influenced by the tumor microenvironment and epigenetics, shows promise for OSCC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Signaling

Background:

  • The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is frequently dysregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) and epigenetic modifiers significantly influence PI3K/AKT pathway activation in OSCC.
  • Existing evidence on these interactions is fragmented, necessitating a comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate mechanisms of TME components in PI3K/AKT activation driving OSCC hallmarks.
  • To analyze the role of epigenetic modifiers (DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs) in PI3K/AKT pathway regulation during OSCC progression.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of PI3K/AKT inhibitors in OSCC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical studies and clinical trials.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of PI3K/AKT pathway crosstalk with other oncogenic pathways.

Main Results:

  • TME components promote OSCC proliferation, apoptosis evasion, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance via PI3K/AKT activation.
  • Epigenetic modifiers intricately orchestrate OSCC development and progression by influencing the PI3K/AKT pathway.
  • PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in preclinical and clinical settings for OSCC.

Conclusions:

  • The PI3K/AKT pathway is a central hub in OSCC, impacting all cancer hallmarks.
  • Crosstalk with other signaling pathways highlights the PI3K/AKT pathway's significance.
  • The PI3K/AKT pathway presents substantial potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for OSCC.
Keywords:
Cancer hallmarksEpigeneticsNoncoding RNAOral squamous cell carcinomaPhosphatidylinositol 3-kinas/protein kinase pathwayTumor microenvironment

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