Skip to main content

Phosphatidylinositol

Meaning

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) is a crucial class of phospholipids that serves as a fundamental structural component of eukaryotic cell membranes and, more importantly, as a precursor for a major intracellular signaling system. It is a key molecule in the transmission of hormonal and growth factor signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, mediating a vast array of cellular functions. Its phosphorylated derivatives, known as phosphoinositides, are central to pathways regulating cell growth, metabolism, survival, and membrane trafficking. Clinically, dysregulation of PI signaling pathways is implicated in conditions ranging from insulin resistance to various endocrine-related malignancies.