Death-associated protein kinases and intestinal epithelial homeostasis

The family of death-associated protein kinases (DAPKs) and DAPK-related apoptosis-inducing protein kinases (DRAKs) act as molecular switches for a multitude of cellular processes, including apoptotic and autophagic cell death events. This review summarizes the mechanisms for kinase activity regulation and discusses recent molecular investigations of DAPK and DRAK family members in the intestinal epithelium. In general, recent literature convincingly supports the importance of this family of protein kinases in the homeostatic processes that govern the proper function of the intestinal epithelium. Each of the DAPK family of proteins possesses distinct biochemical properties, and we compare similarities in the information available as well as those cases where functional distinctions are apparent. As the prototypical member of the family, DAPK1 is noteworthy for its tumor suppressor function and association with colorectal cancer. In the intestinal epithelium, DAPK2 is associated with programmed cell death, potential tumor-suppressive functions, and a unique influence on granulocyte biology. The impact of the DRAKs in the epithelium is understudied, but recent studies support a role for DRAK1 in inflammation-mediated tumor growth and metastasis. A commentary is provided on the potential importance of DAPK3 in facilitating epithelial restitution and wound healing during the resolution of colitis. An update on efforts to develop selective pharmacologic effectors of individual DAPK members is also supplied.