Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Isolation of Primary Mouse Hepatocytes for Nascent Protein Synthesis Analysis by Non-radioactive L-azidohomoalanine Labeling Method
Published on: October 23, 2018
Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase Kinase 4 Signaling in Liver and Metabolic Diseases
Felix Ampadu1, Vibhudutta Awasthi1, Aditya D Joshi2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Abstract:
MAP4K4 is a serine/threonine protein kinase belonging to the germinal center kinase subgroup of sterile 20 protein family of kinases. MAP4K4 has been involved in regulating multiple biologic processes and a plethora of pathologies, including systemic inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and metabolic and hepatic diseases. Recently, multiple reports have indicated the upregulation of MAP4K4 expression and signaling in hyperglycemia and liver diseases. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of MAP4K4 structure and expression, as well as its regulation and signaling, specifically in metabolic and hepatic diseases. Reviewing these promising studies will enrich our understanding of MAP4K4 signaling pathways and, in the future, will help us design innovative therapeutic interventions against metabolic and liver diseases using MAP4K4 as a target. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Although most studies on the involvement of MAP4K4 in human pathologies are related to cancers, only recently its role in liver and other metabolic diseases is beginning to unravel. This mini review discusses recent advancements in MAP4K4 biology within the context of metabolic dysfunction and comprehensively characterizes MAP4K4 as a clinically relevant therapeutic target against liver and metabolic diseases.
Insights
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) is increasingly linked to liver and metabolic diseases. Targeting MAP4K4 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) is a serine/threonine protein kinase implicated in various biological processes and diseases.
- Recent evidence highlights MAP4K4's upregulation in hyperglycemia and liver diseases, suggesting a critical role in metabolic dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of MAP4K4 structure, expression, regulation, and signaling pathways.
- To focus on MAP4K4's specific role in metabolic and hepatic diseases.
- To identify MAP4K4 as a potential therapeutic target for liver and metabolic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on MAP4K4.
- Analysis of MAP4K4 expression and signaling in the context of metabolic diseases.
- Synthesis of information regarding MAP4K4's involvement in hyperglycemia and liver pathologies.
Main Results:
- MAP4K4 plays a significant role in regulating biological processes relevant to metabolic health.
- MAP4K4 expression and signaling are elevated in conditions like hyperglycemia and liver disease.
- MAP4K4 is emerging as a key player in the pathophysiology of metabolic and hepatic diseases.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MAP4K4 signaling pathways is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
- MAP4K4 represents a clinically relevant target for innovative interventions against liver and metabolic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
MAPK Signaling Cascades
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways

