Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is a minority phospholipid of the inner leaflet of plasma membranes. Many plasma membrane ion channels and ion transporters require PIP2 to function and can be turned off by signaling pathways that deplete PIP2. This review discusses the dependence of ion channels on phosphoinositides and considers possible mechanisms by which PIP2 and analogues regulate ion channel activity.