The enzyme inositol polyphosphate phosphatase 4A (INPP4A) removes phosphate groups from phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate, a key cellular lipid. Here, a crucial role for INPP4A in maintaining the integrity of the brain is described. Mice that lack this enzyme suffer from neurodegeneration in the striatum of the brain, as well as severe involuntary movements. When present, INPP4A protects neurons from a particular type of cell death.
- Junko Sasaki
- Satoshi Kofuji
- Takehiko Sasaki
