Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase (PIKfyve)

Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase (PIKfyve) is a critical lipid kinase that regulates the endosomal and lysosomal system by synthesizing phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2) from phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P). It plays a central role in membrane homeostasis, endosomal maturation, and autophagy, ensuring the proper trafficking of cargo between endosomes and lysosomes. PIKfyve has emerged as a significant therapeutic target in oncology, particularly for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, where its inhibition leads to catastrophic lysosomal dysfunction and cell death. Additionally, it is a key host factor for the entry of several viruses, including Ebola, Marburg, and SARS-CoV-2, as its activity is required for viral fusion and genome release from endosomes. Small molecule inhibitors like apilimod, which was initially developed for autoimmune diseases before its target was identified as PIKfyve, are being explored for their antiviral and anticancer potential.

Other names

PIKfyvePIP5K3FAB11-phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinasePhosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase type IIIZinc finger FYVE domain-containing protein 3