Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase alpha (PI4KA)

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase alpha (PI4KA) is an essential enzyme that regulates plasma membrane phosphoinositide signaling by synthesizing PI4P, a key lipid involved in cell signaling, membrane identity, and trafficking. PI4KA is highly conserved in eukaryotes and forms functional multi-protein complexes (with TTC7 and FAM126 subunits) for correct membrane localization and activity. It is critical for lipid transport and signaling cascades controlled by PLC and PI3K, and its misregulation is implicated in various diseases, including neurodevelopmental and inflammatory disorders, cancer, and viral infections. PI4KA’s essentiality poses therapeutic challenges, as systemic inhibition can lead to toxicity, though it remains an attractive target for novel drug development, particularly for antiviral and anticancer strategies[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase alphaPI4KAPIK4CAPI4-kinase alphaPI4K-alphaPI4K-ALPHAPI4K230Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase III alphaphosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIαGIDID2PMGYCHASPG84PIK4PtdIns-4-kinase alphatesticular secretory protein Li 35

Inhibition of PI4KA catalytic activity, blocking PI4P synthesis and downstream phosphoinositide signaling[4]. Potential disruption of viral replication compartments (antiviral mechanism)[2][4].