Human plasma inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP (6) ) phosphatase identified as the Multiple Inositol Polyphosphate Phosphatase 1 (MINPP1).

Inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP (6) ), also known as phytic acid, is a potent chelator of bivalent cations. Intracellular InsP (6) molecules are associated with magnesium. Calcium is the prevalent bivalent cation outside the cell and its association with InsP (6) could lead to the formation of insoluble complexes. To avoid the formation of dangerous InsP (6) /Calcium precipitates in the bloodstream, mammals must possess a robust InsP (6) phosphatase in their plasma. Here we identify the Multiple Inositol Polyphosphate Phosphatase 1 ( MINPP1 ) as the InsP (6) phosphatase present in human plasma.