Phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase type-2 alpha (PIP4K2A)

Phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase type-2 alpha (PIP4K2A) is an enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate (PI5P) at the 4-position to generate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), a central lipid signaling molecule involved in multiple critical cellular processes[1][5][7]. This kinase plays essential roles in regulating phosphoinositide metabolism, influencing pathways related to cellular energy homeostasis, membrane trafficking, insulin signaling, and cholesterol transport between organelles[1][4][5]. PIP4K2A also participates in autophagy regulation and can impact the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, making it relevant in both cancer progression and metabolic diseases[3][5][7]. It has emerging non-canonical functions, including RNA binding independent of its kinase activity[8]. Genetic variations in PIP4K2A have been linked to diseases such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and bipolar disorder, underscoring its significance as a potential therapeutic target[5][7]. Selective pharmacological inhibitors are available for research and potential therapeutic development[7].

Other names

Phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase type-2 alphaPI5P4KAPIP5K2APIP5KIIAPI(5)P 4-kinase type II alphaPIP4KII-alphaPIP5KIII1-phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase 2-alphaDiphosphoinositide kinase 2-alphaPhosphatidylinositol 5-Phosphate 4-KinasePtdIns(4)P-5-kinase B isoformPtdIns(4)P-5-kinase C isoformPtdIns(5)P-4-kinase isoform 2-alpha

Inhibition of PIP4K2A activity reduces phosphorylation of PI5P to PI(4,5)P2, modulating PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling and autophagy pathways[3][5][7]