ITPKC : inositol-trisphosphate 3-kinase C
Description
The ITPKC (inositol-trisphosphate 3-kinase C) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
The ITPKC gene provides instructions for creating the ITPKC enzyme, a specific type of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (ITPK). ITPK enzymes add a phosphate group to Ins(1,4,5)P3, producing Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. Both these molecules are essential for controlling calcium levels in cells. ITPKC is particularly involved in the Ca(2+)/NFAT signaling pathway, which is influenced by calcium levels and helps regulate the activity of T cells, a type of immune cell. T cells play a crucial role in fighting infection by identifying foreign substances. By limiting T cell activity when necessary, ITPKC prevents the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, which can cause tissue damage.
ITPKC catalyzes the conversion of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, a crucial step in regulating calcium levels within cells. This process is supported by experimental evidence (PubMed:11085927, PubMed:12747803). ITPKC can also phosphorylate inositol 2,4,5-triphosphate to inositol 2,4,5,6-tetraphosphate, suggesting a broader role in regulating intracellular phosphate levels. (UniProtKB:Q80ZG2, PubMed:11085927, PubMed:12747803).
ITPKC is also known as IP3-3KC, IP3KC.
