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Updated: May 10, 2026

Characterization at the Molecular Level using Robust Biochemical Approaches of a New Kinase Protein
11:23

Characterization at the Molecular Level using Robust Biochemical Approaches of a New Kinase Protein

Published on: June 30, 2019

Structure and function of MK5/PRAK: the loner among the mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinases

Ugo Moens1, Sergiy Kostenko

  • 1University of Tromsø Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Biology, Molecular Inflammation Research Group, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. ugo.moens@uit.no

Biological Chemistry
|June 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways regulate cell functions. This review details MAPK-activated protein kinase 5 (MK5/PRAK), a unique kinase involved in both conventional and atypical MAPK signaling, and its disease implications.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Signal Transduction

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are crucial for cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
  • MAPK pathways involve a cascade of phosphorylation events mediated by MAPK kinase kinases, MAPK kinases, and MAPKs.
  • MAPK-activated protein kinases (MAPKAPKs) are key substrates of MAPK pathways, with eleven identified mammalian forms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, activation mechanisms, substrates, and functions of MAPK-activated protein kinase 5 (MK5/PRAK).
  • To explore the role and implications of MK5/PRAK in both malignant and nonmalignant diseases.
  • To highlight MK5/PRAK's unique position as a substrate for both conventional and atypical MAPKs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on MK5/PRAK.
  • Analysis of structural and functional data of MK5/PRAK.
  • Synthesis of information regarding MK5/PRAK's involvement in disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • MK5/PRAK is the sole MAPKAPK phosphorylated by both conventional and atypical MAPKs.
  • Other MAPKAPKs are exclusively phosphorylated by conventional MAPKs.
  • MK5/PRAK has diverse substrates and functions, impacting cellular signaling.

Conclusions:

  • MK5/PRAK represents a unique node in MAPK signaling networks.
  • Understanding MK5/PRAK's role is critical for deciphering complex cellular processes.
  • MK5/PRAK holds potential as a therapeutic target in various diseases.

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