MINK1

MINK1

Target · Serine/threonine kinase

MINK1 Misshapen like kinase 1 · Misshapen-like kinase 1 (MAP4K6)

MINK1 (misshapen like kinase 1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase of the germinal centre kinase family, also known as B55, MINK, ZC3, MAP4K6 and YSK2. It is linked to actin cytoskeleton organisation, cell adhesion and cell migration. Browse Assay Genie's current range of MINK1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.

Cytoplasm and postsynaptic densitySTE20 family Ser/Thr kinaseActivates JNK and p38 pathways
1332 aa
Protein length
~150 kDa
Molecular weight
17p13.2
Gene locus
EC 2.7.11.1
Enzyme class
Target information

What is MINK1 (misshapen like kinase 1)?

MINK1 is a serine/threonine kinase that belongs to the protein kinase superfamily, in the STE Ser/Thr protein kinase family and STE20 subfamily. It is involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton reorganisation, cell-matrix adhesion, cell-cell adhesion and cell migration. Isoform 4 can activate the JNK pathway. Studies of the mouse homologue also indicate activation of the cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 pathways.

The MINK1 gene encodes a kinase assigned to the germinal centre kinase (GCK) family. The protein is structurally similar to kinases related to NIK, and it may belong to a distinct subfamily of NIK-related kinases within the GCK family. HGNC places it in the MAP4K family (GCK-IV subfamily), and it is also listed in the STRIPAK complex and armadillo like helical domain containing gene groups. UniProt records the protein in the cytoplasm, postsynaptic density, axon and dendrite projections, and the Golgi apparatus.

In mouse, expression of the homologue Mink1 is up-regulated during postnatal cerebral development, which points to a role in the developing brain. The gene has carried several names, including misshapen-like kinase 1 (zebrafish), and the aliases B55, MINK, ZC3, MAP4K6 and YSK2 appear in the literature. Researchers studying the MINK1 protein often examine it alongside other MAP4K and STE20 kinases in stress-activated kinase signalling.

Cytoskeleton and cell migration

MINK1 is involved in regulating actin cytoskeleton reorganisation and cell migration, making it a subject for studies of cell motility.

Cell adhesion biology

The kinase contributes to the regulation of cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, relevant to work on how cells attach and organise.

JNK and p38 signalling

MINK1 isoform 4 can activate the JNK pathway, and mouse studies show activation of JNK and p38 signalling.

Neuronal development

Mouse Mink1 expression rises during postnatal cerebral development, and the protein localises to the postsynaptic density, axons and dendrites.

Background

MINK1 frequently asked questions

What does MINK1 do?

MINK1 is a serine/threonine kinase involved in regulating actin cytoskeleton reorganisation, cell-matrix adhesion, cell-cell adhesion and cell migration. Isoform 4 can activate the JNK pathway, and studies of the mouse homologue also show activation of the p38 pathway.

What other names does MINK1 go by?

The gene is also known as B55, MINK, ZC3, MAP4K6 and YSK2. HGNC lists the full name as misshapen like kinase 1, and earlier records used misshapen-like kinase 1 (zebrafish). UniProt describes isoform 4 specifically for JNK pathway activation.

Is MINK1 conserved between species?

Yes. Mouse and rat both have a Mink1 ortholog, and studies of the mouse homologue have informed understanding of the kinase, including up-regulation during postnatal cerebral development. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.

Explore

Related targets

Other MAP4K and NIK-related kinases, plus JNK and p38 pathway components relevant to MINK1 signalling.

Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q8N4C8; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.

MINK1 Product listing