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Cell Research, 15(2):83-91, Feb 2005

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinases: functions and regulations

Hui Jun XIA*, Guang YANG

Key Laboratory of MOE for Plant Developmental Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
Correspondence:
Hui Jun XIA
+86-27-68752112 (phone)
+86-27-68752112 (fax)
hjxia@whu.edu.cn
Abstract

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (IP3 3-kinase/IP3K) plays an important role in signal transduction in animal cells by phosphorylating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4). Both IP3 and IP4 are critical second messengers which regulate calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Mammalian IP3Ks are involved in many biological processes, including brain development, memory, learning and so on. It is widely reported that Ca2+ is a canonical second messenger in higher plants. Therefore, plant IP3K should also play a crucial role in plant development. Recently, we reported the identification of plant IP3K gene (AtIpk2¦Â/AtIP3K) from Arabidopsis thaliana and its characterization. Here, we summarize the molecular cloning, biochemical properties and biological functions of IP3Ks from animal, yeast and plant. This review also discusses potential functions of IP3Ks in signaling crosstalk, inositol phosphate metabolism, gene transcriptional control and so on.

Keywords: inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (IP3 3-kinase/IP3K), inositol polyphosphate kinase (Ipk), inositol phosphate multikinase (Ipmk), calcium (Ca2+), signal transduction


 

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