PI5P4K (PI5P4K)

PI5P4K/PIP4K (phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase) is a crucial enzyme in phosphoinositide metabolism, with three isoforms: PI5P4Kα, PI5P4Kβ, and PI5P4Kγ, encoded by the genes PIP4K2A, PIP4K2B, and PIP4K2C, respectively. These kinases phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate (PI5P) to produce phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), which is vital for various signaling pathways. PI5P4Ks modulate the levels of PI(4,5)P2 at intracellular membranes, essential for processes like endocytosis. The balance between PI5P and PI(4,5)P2 is critical for cellular responses to stress.
PI5P4Ks are involved in key signaling pathways, particularly the Hippo pathway, which regulates cell growth. the Hippo pathway kinases phosphorylated and suppressed the activity of PI5P4Ks. These two important evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways are integrated to regulate metazoan development and human disease. In cancer biology, PI5P4Ks exhibit dual roles. For instance, in prostate cancer, higher expression levels of PI5P4Kα correlate with lower androgen receptor signaling, suggesting a potential tumor-suppressive role 3. Conversely, in other contexts, they may promote tumor growth by enhancing survival pathways under stress conditions. The intricate balance of their activity could provide therapeutic targets for cancer treatment by manipulating these signaling pathways.