Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase A (ITPKA)

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase A (ITPKA) is an enzyme encoded by the ITPKA gene in humans, primarily expressed in neurons and involved in phosphorylation of the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) to form inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4). ITPKA plays a central role in the regulation of inositol phosphate metabolism and calcium signaling, contributing to synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Its activity and cellular localization are regulated by calcium/calmodulin and various phosphorylation events. Uniquely, ITPKA also possesses an F-actin binding domain, specifically localizing it to dendritic spines and enabling it to alter cytoskeletal dynamics. While normally restricted to neurons and testis, aberrant expression in certain cancers promotes increased cell motility and metastasis, suggesting a role in tumor progression. Currently, there are no specific therapeutic agents or approved drugs targeting ITPKA, but its unique biology makes it a candidate for research in neurobiology and oncology

Other names

Inositol-trisphosphate 3-kinase AITPKAIP3 3-kinase AIP3K AInsP 3-kinase AIP3KAIP3-3KAInositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase Ainositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase AinsP 3-kinase A

Not applicable (no direct drug mechanism established; functionally, phosphorylation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, modulating intracellular calcium signaling)