Phosphoinositide 3-kinases in the gut: a link between inflammation and cancer?

Carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract is the most common internal maligna ncy affecting men and women in Western countries. Chronic intestinal inflam mation, especially of the colon, is also a Western disease and correlates w ith a significantly increased risk of developing cancer. This has suggested that the immune processes involved in both conditions might share some com mon pathways. Indeed, there is increasing evidence that phosphatidylinosito l 3-kinases (PI3-kinases) are involved in both the pathogenesis of colorect al carcinoma and intestinal inflammation. Here, we discuss this rapidly pro gressing area of research, presenting evidence for a pivotal role of PI3-ki nase(s) in intestinal pathophysiology.