Role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in cardiac function and heart failure

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) belongs to a conserved family of lipid kinases that regulate many critical functions in the cell by generating 3'-phosphorylated phosphatidylinositols. Although PI3K has been the focus of intense study in various biologic processes including apoptosis, metastasis, and neuronal differentiation, it is only recently that the focus has shifted to understanding the role of PI3K in cardiac function, hypertrophy, and heart failure. This article reviews the role of PI3K in regulating cardiac growth, contractility, beta-adrenergic receptor function, and hypertrophy, as well as possible novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of heart failure.