Inositol phosphates are a group of mono- to hexaphosphorylated inositols. Each form of inositol phosphate is distinguished by the number and position of the phosphate group on the inositol ring.
- inositol monophosphate (IP)
- inositol bisphosphate (IP2)
- inositol trisphosphate (IP3)
- inositol tetrakisphosphate (IP4)
- inositol pentakisphosphate (IP5)
- inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) also known as phytic acid, or phytate (as a salt).
A series of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reactions are carried out by at least 19 phosphoinositide kinases and 28 phosphoinositide phosphatase enzymes[1] allowing for the inter-conversion between the inositol phosphate compounds based on cellular demand.
Inositol phosphates play a crucial role in various signal transduction pathways responsible for cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis, DNA repair, RNA export, regeneration of ATP and more.
- ^ Shamsuddin AK, Yang GY (2015-03-04). "Safety of Inositol and Inositol Phosphates". In Shamsuddin A, Yang GY (eds.). Inositol & its Phosphates: Basic Science to Practical Applications. Bentham Science Publishers. pp. 275–282. doi:10.2174/9781681080079115010024. ISBN 9781681080079.