This gene encodes an enzyme that belongs to the inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase family. This enzyme regulates the synthesis of inositol tetraphosphate, and downstream products, inositol pentakisphosphate and inositol hexakisphosphate. Inositol metabolism plays a role in the development of the neural tube. Disruptions in this gene are thought to be associated with neural tube defects. A pseudogene of this gene has been identified on chromosome X. Plays an important role in MLKL-mediated necroptosis. Produces highly phosphorylated inositol phosphates such as inositolhexakisphosphate (InsP6) which bind to MLKL mediating the release of an N-terminal auto-inhibitory region leading to its activation. Essential for activated phospho-MLKL to oligomerize and localize to the cell membrane during necroptosis.