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Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Assaying for Inorganic Polyphosphate in Bacteria
Published on: January 21, 2019
Evolutionary perspective on mammalian inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) biology
Filipy Borghi1, Adolfo Saiardi1
1Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) likely existed in ancestral eukaryotes but was lost in most lineages. Eukaryotic cells evolved mechanisms to control polyP levels, with potential roles in mitochondria and the nucleus.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a versatile phosphate polymer with diverse cellular functions.
- Its role in mammalian cells is increasingly recognized, prompting investigation into its evolutionary origins and regulation.
- Understanding polyP's ancient roles can illuminate its current functions.
Conclusions:
- Most eukaryotic lineages lost their ancestral polyP synthesis capabilities.
- Eukaryotic cells evolved regulatory mechanisms to control polyP levels.
- Mitochondria and the nucleus are potential unexplored areas for polyP research.
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