Phosphatidylinositol-5-Phosphate 4-Kinase, Type II, Beta (PIP4K2B) is a member of the phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase family. These enzymes play a crucial role in the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate (PI5P) at the fourth position of the inositol ring, leading to the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) .
PIP4K2B is a protein-coding gene that is involved in various cellular processes. The enzyme has a low enzymatic activity and may act as a GTP sensor, exhibiting higher GTP-dependent kinase activity than ATP-dependent kinase activity . PIP4K2B negatively regulates insulin signaling through a catalytic-independent mechanism .
PIP4K2B is integral to several cellular processes, including growth, development, metabolism, and tumor growth . It is overexpressed in certain cancers, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target . The enzyme’s role in regulating proteins involved in genome stability and cell homeostasis underscores its importance in maintaining cellular integrity .
Recent studies have shown that PIP4K2B, along with its isoforms PIP4K2A and PIP4K2C, is central to phosphoinositide signaling, which regulates cellular processes under stress and physiological conditions . Proteome profiling of PIP4K2B knockdown cells has identified modifications in key regulators involved in cell homeostasis and genome integrity . These findings suggest that PIP4K2B could be a promising therapeutic target for cells experiencing genotoxic stress conditions .