Lipid kinases: charging PtdIns(4,5)P2 synthesis

Abstract

Phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate is a lipid second messenger that controls diverse cellular processes. Phosphatidylinositolphosphate-5-kinases synthesise this lipid at the plasma membrane, although it is not clear how the localisation of these kinases is controlled. A recent study suggests that the intrinsic surface charge of the plasma membrane may be an important factor.