Leukocyte and Cardiac Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase γ Activity in Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Failure

Class 1B phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110 gamma is a master regulator of both leukocyte and cardiomyocyte function. Whereas in the immune system p110 gamma is principally involved in the control of leukocyte chemotaxis and inflammatory reactions, in cardiomyocytes p110 gamma affects multiple aspects of beta-adrenergic receptor signaling and cardiac function. Because inflammatory cell recruitment/activation and cardiac dysfunction are strictly connected, p110 gamma has recently been revealed as a promising target for drug design in the treatment of heart failure. This review discusses recent works that dissect the relative contribution of leukocyte p110 gamma and its cardiac counterpart in the onset and progression of pressure overload induced cardiac remodeling and the ensuing therapeutic implications. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 2010;20:273-276) (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.