Polyphosphates (polyP) are polymers of inorganic phosphates joined by high-energy bonds to form long chains. These chains are present in all forms of life but were once disregarded as ‘molecular fossils’. PolyP has gained attention in recent years following new links to diverse biological roles ranging from energy storage to cell signaling. PolyP research in humans and other higher eukaryotes is limited by a lack of suitable tools and awaits the identification of enzymatic players that would enable more comprehensive studies. Therefore, many of the most important insights have come from single-cell model systems. Here, we review determinants of polyP metabolism, regulation, and function in major microbial systems, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae. We highlight key similarities and differences that may aid in our understanding of how polyP impacts cell physiology at a molecular level.

聚磷酸盐 (polyP) 是无机磷酸盐的聚合物，通过高能键连接形成长链。这些链存在于所有生命形式中，但曾被视为“分子化石”。近年来，随着与从能量储存到细胞信号传导的各种生物作用的新联系，PolyP 受到了关注。PolyP 在人类和其他高等真核生物中的研究由于缺乏合适的工具而受到限制，并且等待能够进行更全面研究的酶促参与者的鉴定。因此，许多最重要的见解都来自单细胞模型系统。在这里，我们回顾了主要微生物系统（包括细菌、真菌、原生动物和藻类）中 polyP 代谢、调节和功能的决定因素。