Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Mediates Bronchioalveolar Stem Cell Expansion in Mouse Models of Oncogenic K-ras-Induced Lung Cancer
2008

PI3K's Role in Lung Cancer Stem Cell Expansion

Sample size: 9 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yang Yanan, Iwanaga Kentaro, Raso Maria Gabriela, Wislez Marie, Hanna Amy E., Wieder Eric D., Molldrem Jeffrey J., Wistuba Ignacio I., Powis Garth, Demayo Francesco J., Kim Carla F., Kurie Jonathan M.

Primary Institution: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Hypothesis

Is PI3K a critical regulator of bronchioalveolar stem cell (BASC) expansion in lung cancer models?

Conclusion

PI3K is essential for the expansion of BASCs, suggesting that targeting PI3K could be a viable treatment strategy for NSCLC.

Supporting Evidence

  • PI3K activity was shown to increase with malignant progression in lung tissues.
  • Treatment with a PI3K inhibitor reduced tumor growth in mouse models.
  • BASC expansion was significantly reduced in mice treated with the PI3K inhibitor PX-866.

Takeaway

This study found that a protein called PI3K helps certain cells in the lungs grow when cancer is present, and blocking it could help treat lung cancer.

Methodology

The study used genetic and pharmacologic methods to inhibit PI3K in mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma and analyzed the effects on BASC expansion.

Limitations

The study was conducted in mouse models, which may not fully replicate human lung cancer biology.

Participant Demographics

Mice with specific genetic modifications related to K-ras and Pten.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.006

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002220

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