CKIalpha is associated with and phosphorylates star-PAP and is also required for expression of select star-PAP target messenger RNAs.

We have recently identified Star-PAP, a nuclear poly(A) polymerase that associates with phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase Ialpha (PIPKIalpha) and is required for the expression of a specific subset of mRNAs. Star-PAP activity is directly modulated by the PIPKIalpha product phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI-4,5-P(2)), linking nuclear phosphoinositide signaling to gene expression. Here, we show that PI-4,5-P(2)-dependent protein kinase activity is also a part of the Star-PAP protein complex.

A PtdIns4,5P2-regulated nuclear poly(A) polymerase controls expression of select mRNAs.

Phosphoinositides are a family of lipid signalling molecules that regulate many cellular functions in eukaryotes. Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns4,5P2), the central component in the phosphoinositide signalling circuitry, is generated primarily by type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinases (PIPKIalpha, PIPKIbeta and PIPKIgamma). In addition to functions in the cytosol, phosphoinositides are present in the nucleus, where they modulate several functions; however, the mechanism by which they directly regulate nuclear functions remains unknown.

A conspicuous connection: structure defines function for the phosphatidylinositol-phosphate kinase family.

The phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) kinases are a unique family of enzymes that generate an assortment of lipid messengers, including the pivotal second messenger phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P2). While members of the PIP kinase family function by catalyzing a similar phosphorylation reaction, the specificity loop of each PIP kinase subfamily determines substrate preference and partially influences distinct subcellular targeting. Specific protein-protein interactions that are unique to particular isoforms or splice variants play a key role in targeting PIP kinases to appropriate subcellular compartments to facilitate the localized generation of PI4,5P2 proximal to effectors, a mechanism key for the function of PI4,5P2 as a second messenger.