Src Homology 3 domain of the p85beta regulatory subunit of Class IA Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases
Class I PI3Ks convert PtdIns(4,5)P2 to the critical second messenger PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. They are heterodimers and exist in multiple isoforms consisting of one catalytic subunit (out of four isoforms) and one of several regulatory subunits. Class IA PI3Ks associate with the p85 regulatory subunit family, which contains SH3, RhoGAP, and SH2 domains. The p85 subunits recruit the PI3K p110 catalytic subunit to the membrane, where p110 phosphorylates inositol lipids. Vertebrates harbor two p85 isoforms, called alpha and beta. In addition to regulating the p110 subunit, p85beta binds CD28 and may be involved in the activation and differentiation of antigen-stimulated T cells. SH3 domains are protein interaction domains that bind to proline-rich ligands with moderate affinity and selectivity, preferentially to PxxP motifs. They play versatile and diverse roles in the cell including the regulation of enzymes, changing the subcellular localization of signaling pathway components, and mediating the formation of multiprotein complex assemblies.