phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1

Normal function

The PIK3R1 gene provides instructions for making a part (subunit) of an enzyme called phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). The primary function of the subunit is to regulate the enzyme's activity. Several slightly different versions of this regulatory subunit are produced from the PIK3R1 gene; the most abundant of these is called p85 alpha (p85α).

PI3K is a kinase, which means that it adds a cluster of oxygen and phosphorus atoms (a phosphate group) to other proteins through a process called phosphorylation. PI3K phosphorylates certain signaling molecules, which triggers a series of additional reactions that transmit chemical signals within cells. PI3K signaling is important for many cell activities, including cell growth and division (proliferation), movement (migration) of cells, production of new proteins, transport of materials within cells, and cell survival. 

Studies suggest that PI3K signaling may be involved in how cells regulate several hormones. One of these hormones is insulin, which helps control levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar. PI3K signaling may also play a role in the maturation of fat cells (adipocytes).

Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome

• Short stature, hyperextensibility, hernia, ocular depression, Rieger anomaly, and teething delay

• Activated PI3K-delta syndrome

Other names

p85

p85-ALPHA

P85A_HUMAN

phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase 85 kDa regulatory subunit alpha

phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit alpha

phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-associated p-85 alpha

phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit

PI3-kinase subunit p85-alpha

PI3K regulatory subunit alpha