LY294002 is a potent inhibitor of PI 3-kinase, a protein in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase family of intercellular signal regulating enzymes. Induces apoptosis in many cell types by blocking the PI3-K/Akt anti-apoptotic pathway. Useful tool for identifying cellular events which are regulated by the PI3-K/Akt axis. Sensitizes tumor cells to drug-induced apoptosis independent of its PI3K inhibitory activity. Inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. Suppresses proliferation of mouse embryonic stem cells. Furthermore, inhibits autophagic sequestration in rat hepatocytes [Enzo Life Sciences].