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Expression patterns of PIK3CA and PTEN in cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Donovan Ariel Rivero1, Jacqueline Lisset Tomsich2, Paula Agustina Benegas1

  • 1Laboratorio de Biotecnología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Misiones, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales (FCEQyN), Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNaM), "Dra. María Ebe Reca", Ruta 12, km 7.5, C.P.: 3300, Miguel Lanús, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Gene
|September 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study found altered PIK3CA and PTEN gene expression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer. These gene expression changes may indicate systemic pathway alterations, suggesting potential roles in disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer share common metabolic pathways, notably the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling cascade.
  • This pathway is crucial for regulating glucose metabolism and cell proliferation, linking T2DM and cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression levels of PIK3CA and PTEN genes in individuals with cancer and T2DM.
  • To explore the potential role of these genes in cancer progression within the context of diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression analysis using real-time PCR in 115 participants across four groups: healthy controls, T2DM patients, cancer patients, and patients with both conditions.
  • Assessment of biochemical parameters and statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests.

Main Results:

  • PIK3CA gene expression was significantly higher in cancer patients (77% overexpression) compared to other groups.
  • PTEN gene expression was significantly lower in T2DM and cancer with T2DM groups compared to cancer-only patients.
  • No significant differences in PIK3CA expression were found across different cancer types.

Conclusions:

  • PIK3CA and PTEN gene expression patterns suggest potential as peripheral indicators of PI3K/PTEN pathway alterations in cancer and T2DM.
  • Further research, including tissue validation and biomarker assessment, is warranted to confirm these findings and their clinical implications.
Keywords:
CancerDiabetesGene expressionPIK3CAPTEN

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