UNDERSTANDING THE PI3K PATHWAY
Kinases are specific enzymes that play a key role in regulating most cellular pathways in the human body. This activity occurs when kinases modify other proteins through a process called phosphorylation.
A specific class of kinase called Phosphoinositide-3 kinases, or PI3K, is a central cellular pathway that plays a critical role in a number of functions including the growth, proliferation and survival of cells and the regulation of immune cell activation and trafficking.
While these processes are important for the health of normal cells, inappropriate activation contributes to the development and progression of cancer and immune disorders.
Four isoforms of PI3K have been identified:
alpha, beta, delta, and gamma
The differentiated function and cellular expression of each of these PI3K isoforms offers an opportunity to develop novel, targeted therapeutics for specific diseases. Targeting selective isoforms may offer a more targeted approach, with the potential to result in an overall better efficacy and safety profile.
Calistoga Pharmaceuticals is focused on the development of isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases.
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