Enzymes
Product List
ETNK2 Human
EthanolamineKinase 2 Human Recombinant
Flavokinase Human
Riboflavin Kinase Human Recombinant
GALK1 Human
Galactokinase 1 Human Recombinant
GLK E.coli
Glucokinase E.coli Recombinant
MERTK Mouse
MER Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine Kinase Mouse Recombinant
MOB1B Human
MOB Kinase Activator 1B Human Recombinant
MOB3B Human
MOB Kinase Activator 3B Human Recombinant
MVK Human
Mevalonate Kinase Human Recombinant
NAGK Human
N-Acetylglucosamine Kinase Human Recombinant
NDK E.Coli
Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase E.Coli Recombinant
Introduction
Protein kinases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from high-energy, phosphate-donating molecules to specific substrates, a process known as phosphorylation . This modification typically results in a functional change of the target protein by altering its enzyme activity, cellular location, or interaction with other proteins . Protein kinases are classified into several groups based on the amino acid residue they phosphorylate: serine/threonine kinases, tyrosine kinases, and dual-specificity kinases .
Protein kinases are key regulators of cell function and are involved in almost all cellular processes . They are expressed in various patterns and distributed across different tissues. For instance, serine/threonine kinases are widely distributed and play roles in processes such as cell division and metabolism . Tyrosine kinases are often involved in signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and differentiation . The human genome contains about 500 protein kinase genes, constituting approximately 2% of all human genes .
Protein kinases play crucial roles in regulating cellular processes such as cell division, metabolism, transcription, differentiation, and apoptosis . They are also involved in immune responses and pathogen recognition. For example, certain kinases are activated in response to pathogens and help coordinate the immune response by modulating the activity of immune cells .
Protein kinases function by transferring a phosphate group from ATP to specific amino acids in their substrate proteins . This phosphorylation can activate or deactivate the substrate protein, alter its interaction with other molecules, or change its cellular location . Kinases often work in signaling cascades, where one kinase activates another, leading to a chain reaction that amplifies the signal and results in a specific cellular response .
The activity of protein kinases is tightly regulated by various mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation, post-translational modifications, and interactions with other proteins . For instance, kinases can be activated or inhibited by phosphorylation, binding to regulatory proteins, or changes in their cellular localization . These regulatory mechanisms ensure that kinases are activated only in response to specific signals and that their activity is precisely controlled .
Protein kinases are important targets in biomedical research and have applications in diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies . Kinase inhibitors are used to treat various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory disorders . For example, tyrosine kinase inhibitors are used to treat certain types of leukemia and other cancers . Additionally, kinases are used as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis .
Protein kinases play essential roles throughout the life cycle, from development to aging and disease . During development, kinases regulate processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue formation . In adulthood, they continue to regulate cellular functions and maintain homeostasis . Dysregulation of kinase activity can lead to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic diseases .
