<scp>IPMK</scp> at the crossroads of cellular signaling in health and disease

Inositol phosphates (InsPs) represent a conserved class of water-soluble signaling molecules found in all eukaryotes. Their biosynthesis involves a tightly regulated enzymatic network, with inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) functioning as a pivotal catalytic hub. IPMK exhibits broad substrate specificity, phosphorylating various InsPs and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. Beyond its enzymatic activity, IPMK also modulates key signaling pathways through noncatalytic mechanisms, including direct interactions with protein partners. This review highlights the functional attributes of IPMK, its diverse roles in cellular physiology and disease, and outlines current challenges and future directions in IPMK research.