The PIK3CD gene provides instructions for making the p110 delta (p110δ) protein, which is one piece (subunit) of an enzyme called phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). The version of PI3K that contains the p110δ subunit, called PI3K delta, is found in white blood cells, including immune system cells (lymphocytes) called B cells and T cells. These cells recognize and attack foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, to prevent infection.
PI3K delta functions as a kinase, which means that it adds a cluster of oxygen and phosphorus atoms (a phosphate group) to other proteins through a process called phosphorylation. PI3K delta phosphorylates certain signaling molecules, which triggers a series of additional reactions that transmit chemical signals within cells. In lymphocytes, PI3K delta signaling is important for many cell activities, including cell growth and division (proliferation) and maturation (differentiation). PI3K delta helps direct B cells and T cells to differentiate into different types, each of which has a distinct function in the immune system.
Other Names
p110D; P110DELTA; phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase 110 kDa catalytic subunit delta; phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit delta; phosphoinositide-3-kinase C; PI3-kinase p110 subunit delta
Related Genetics Topics
- Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome — MedlinePlus Genetics
- Activated PI3K-delta syndrome — MedlinePlus Genetics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 5293
- OMIM: 602839
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
