Enzymes
Product List
CSNK2A1 Human
Casein Kinase 2 alpha 1 Human Recombinant
CSNK2A1 Human, His
Casein Kinase 2 alpha 1 Human Recombinant, His
CSNK2A2 Human
Casein Kinase 2, Alpha 2 Prime Human Recombinant
CK2h Human
Casein Kinase 2 Holoenzyme Human Recombinant
CSNK1A1 Human
Casein Kinase 1 alpha 1 Human Recombinant
CSNK1D Human
Casein Kinase 1 Delta Human Recombinant
CSNK2B Human
Casein Kinase 2 beta Human Recombinant
Escherichia Coli.
CK2a Zea Mays
Casein Kinase 2 alpha Zea Mays Recombinant
CSNK2B Protein
Casein Kinase 2b Human Recombinant
Introduction
Casein kinases are a family of serine/threonine-specific protein kinases that play crucial roles in various cellular processes. They are classified into two main groups: Casein Kinase 1 (CK1) and Casein Kinase 2 (CK2). CK1 is further divided into several isoforms, including CK1α, CK1δ, CK1ε, and others, each with distinct functions and regulatory mechanisms .
Key Biological Properties: Casein kinases are involved in regulating numerous cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, DNA repair, and circadian rhythms .
Expression Patterns: CK1 isoforms are ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotic cells, with varying levels depending on the tissue type and developmental stage .
Tissue Distribution: CK1 isoforms are found in various cellular compartments, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and membranes. They are particularly abundant in tissues with high cellular turnover, such as the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and immune system .
Primary Biological Functions: Casein kinases phosphorylate a wide range of substrates, influencing processes such as signal transduction, gene expression, and protein stability .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: CK1α, for example, plays a role in the immune response by regulating the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), a key transcription factor involved in inflammation and immune responses .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Casein kinases interact with various proteins and cellular structures. For instance, CK1α phosphorylates β-catenin, a crucial component of the Wnt signaling pathway, thereby regulating cell proliferation and differentiation .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: CK1 isoforms have numerous binding partners, including transcription factors, receptors, and other kinases. These interactions often lead to the activation or inhibition of downstream signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, and NF-κB pathways .
Expression and Activity Control: The expression and activity of casein kinases are tightly regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional regulation, post-translational modifications, and interactions with regulatory proteins .
Transcriptional Regulation: Specific transcription factors and regulatory elements control the expression of CK1 and CK2 genes, ensuring their appropriate levels in different tissues and developmental stages .
Post-Translational Modifications: Casein kinases themselves undergo various post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation, which modulate their activity, stability, and interactions with other proteins .
Biomedical Research: Casein kinases are valuable tools in biomedical research for studying cellular signaling pathways and disease mechanisms .
Diagnostic Tools: Altered expression or activity of casein kinases is associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Thus, they serve as potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis .
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting casein kinases with specific inhibitors or modulators holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions .
Development to Aging and Disease: Casein kinases play essential roles throughout the life cycle, from embryonic development to aging. They regulate key processes such as cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis, which are critical for normal development and tissue homeostasis . Dysregulation of casein kinase activity is implicated in various age-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders .
