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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
10:05
Studying RNA Interactors of Protein Kinase RNA-Activated during the Mammalian Cell Cycle
Published on: March 5, 2019
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Deciphering the multifaceted role of double-stranded RNA sensor protein kinase R: pathophysiological function beyond
Jiyoon Chung1, Yerim Lee1, Jimin Yoon1
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
RNA Biology
|May 30, 2025
Summary
Protein kinase R (PKR), an RNA-dependent kinase, has crucial roles beyond viral defense. It impacts gene expression, cell cycle, and differentiation in uninfected cells, with implications for disease.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Protein kinase R (PKR) is a key sensor of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), initiating innate immune responses.
- PKR activation involves dimerization on dsRNA and autophosphorylation, leading to downstream signaling.
- Emerging evidence highlights PKR's roles in uninfected cells, interacting with cellular dsRNAs and regulators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse functions of PKR in physiological and pathological contexts outside of viral infection.
- To explore PKR's involvement in cellular processes like gene expression, cell cycle, and differentiation.
- To underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting PKR in various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on PKR function.
- Analysis of studies investigating PKR's interactions with cellular dsRNAs and protein regulators.
- Synthesis of findings related to PKR's roles in both healthy and diseased states.
Main Results:
- PKR misactivation in uninfected cells is linked to degenerative and inflammatory diseases.
- In healthy cells, PKR influences mRNA splicing, translation, cell cycle, and differentiation.
- PKR's functions extend beyond antiviral immunity, impacting cellular homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- PKR is a versatile kinase with significant roles in cellular physiology and pathology independent of viral stimuli.
- Understanding these non-canonical functions opens new avenues for cellular dsRNA research.
- Targeting PKR presents promising therapeutic strategies for a range of diseases.
Keywords:
Protein kinase R (PKR)cell cycledifferentiationgene regulationinflammatory diseasessplicingMore Related Videos
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