Phosphoinositide 3-kinase signalling in the vascular system.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are protein and lipid kinases activated by different classes of membrane receptors, including G-protein coupled and tyrosine kinase receptors. Several lines of evidence have uncovered specific roles for distinct PI3K isoforms in the vascular system in both physiology and disease. The present review will summarize and discuss the most recent advances regarding PI3K-Akt signalling in endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, platelets, and inflammatory cells involved in the atherosclerotic process. Of interest, the development of novel isoform-selective PI3K inhibitor drugs offers a unique opportunity to selectively and differentially target PI3K-driven pathways in the vascular system and may give rise to new strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Morello
Fulvio
F
Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy.
Perino
Alessia
A
Hirsch
Emilio
E
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases