PIK93

PIK-93 is a small-molecule inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) that is primarily used as a research tool in biochemistry and cell biology. It has been employed to study the role of PI3K signaling in various cellular processes and in different model systems.

Mechanistically, PIK-93 inhibits the catalytic activity of PI3K enzymes by binding to the ATP-binding pocket of the kinase domain, which reduces conversion of PIP2 to PIP3 and dampens downstream signaling through Akt and related pathways. The compound shows selectivity for class I PI3Ks, with potency that can vary across isoforms depending on assay conditions and concentrations used in experiments.

In practical terms, researchers use PIK-93 to dissect PI3K-dependent mechanisms in settings such as receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, insulin/mTOR pathways, endocytosis, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and cancer cell biology. It is commonly applied in cell culture studies and, where appropriate, in animal models under proper oversight.

Limitations of PIK-93 include potential off-target effects at higher concentrations and differences between biochemical and cellular contexts. It is not approved for clinical use and is intended for research purposes only. Availability is through specialty suppliers that provide it as a reagent for academic laboratories, with usage governed by institutional biosafety and chemical handling guidelines.