Oxidative stress protection by polyphosphate--new roles for an old player

Inorganic polyphosphate is a universally conserved biopolymer whose association with oxidative stress resistance has been documented in many species, but whose mode of action has been poorly understood. Here we review the recent discovery that polyphosphate functions as a protein-protective chaperone, examine the mechanisms by which polyphosphate-metal ion interactions reduce oxidative stress, and summarize polyphosphate's roles in regulating general stress response pathways. Given the simple chemical structure and ancient pedigree of polyphosphate, these diverse mechanisms are likely to be broadly relevant in many organisms, from bacteria to mammalian cells.