PIK3CB is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ). This protein plays a crucial role in various cellular functions, including cell growth, proliferation, and survival. It is part of a larger family of enzymes that are involved in signaling pathways, which help cells respond to external signals. Mutations or alterations in the PIK3CB gene can be associated with several diseases, including certain types of cancer. Research into PIK3CB is important for understanding its role in disease mechanisms and for developing targeted therapies that can inhibit its activity in cancer treatment.