D-myo-Inositol 1,5,6-trisphosphate tripotassium salt

D-myo-Inositol 1,5,6-trisphosphate tripotassium salt, abbreviated as Ins(1,5,6)P3, is a derivative of inositol triphosphate (IP3) commonly used in research to investigate intracellular calcium signaling pathways. Ins(1,5,6)P3 is a second messenger that plays a crucial role in cellular signal transduction by regulating calcium release from intracellular stores, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum. Upon stimulation of cell surface receptors, phospholipase C (PLC) is activated, leading to the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to generate IP3, including its phosphorylated forms like Ins(1,5,6)P3. Ins(1,5,6)P3 binds to specific receptors, known as IP3 receptors, located on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, resulting in the release of calcium ions into the cytoplasm. This calcium release triggers various downstream cellular responses, including muscle contraction, synaptic transmission, cell proliferation, and gene expression. In research, Ins(1,5,6)P3 is utilized to dissect the signaling pathways involved in calcium-dependent cellular processes, such as neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, immune cell activation, and fertilization. Furthermore, Ins(1,5,6)P3 analogs and derivatives are engineered to modulate its binding affinity to IP3 receptors or to serve as tools for studying specific aspects of calcium signaling, offering valuable insights into the physiological and pathological roles of intracellular calcium dynamics.