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Death-associated protein kinase 2: Regulator of apoptosis, autophagy and inflammation

Barbara Geering1

  • 1Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|June 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Death-associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK2) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in apoptosis and autophagy. This review summarizes DAPK2

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Death-associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK2), also known as DRP-1, is a serine/threonine kinase.
  • DAPK2 is part of a family of five related kinases involved in crucial cellular processes.
  • These processes include membrane blebbing, apoptosis, autophagy, and tumor suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, regulation, and cellular functions of DAPK2.
  • To discuss recent mechanistic studies on DAPK2 activation and its role in apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on DAPK2.
  • Analysis of conserved domains and tissue-expression profiles of DAPK family members.
  • Summary of molecular mechanisms underlying DAPK2 activity.

Main Results:

  • DAPK2 shares homology in its catalytic domain with DAPK1 and DAPK3 but differs in extra-catalytic regions and expression.
  • DAPK2 interacts with unique partners and localizes to specific subcellular areas, influencing distinct cellular functions.
  • Mechanistic studies have elucidated DAPK2's role in apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • DAPK2 is a key regulator of cellular processes with significant roles in apoptosis and autophagy.
  • Understanding DAPK2's structure and regulation is crucial for comprehending its diverse cellular functions.
  • Further research into DAPK2 mechanisms can provide insights into its tumor-suppressive activities.
Keywords:
ApoptosisAutophagyDAPK2/DRP-1Death-associated protein kinaseInflammation

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