Phosphorylated derivatives of myo-inositol

The structures of myo-inositol and its isomers are reviewed, together with those of the phosphoinositides, and of the inositol phosphates resulting from phosphodiesteratic cleavage. Inositol trisphosphate and related derivatives are considered with regard to their second messenger function. Strategies for possible disruption of enzymatic steps leading to the formation and degradation of these substances are discussed.