PNKP
PNK, officially polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase (PNKP), is a bifunctional nuclear enzyme that prepares damaged DNA ends for repair. It acts in both non-homologous end-joining and base excision repair, removing 3'-phosphates and phosphorylating 5'-hydroxyl groups. Browse Assay Genie's current range of PNKP research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
PNKP plays a key role in the repair of DNA damage. It functions as part of both the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and base excision repair (BER) pathways. Through its two catalytic activities, PNK ensures that DNA termini are compatible with extension and ligation. It does this either by removing 3'-phosphates from the ribose sugar of the DNA backbone or by phosphorylating 5'-hydroxyl groups on the same sugar.
The PNKP gene encodes a protein that UniProt names bifunctional polynucleotide phosphatase/kinase. The N-terminal section belongs to the DNA 3' phosphatase family, and HGNC places the gene in the HAD Asp-based non-protein phosphatases and DNA kinases groups. The protein localises to the nucleus and is associated with chromosomes, consistent with its role at sites of DNA damage. A mouse ortholog, Pnkp, is recorded in the data for this target.
According to the NCBI Gene summary, the encoded protein catalyses 5' phosphorylation and 3' dephosphorylation of nucleic acids in response to ionizing radiation or oxidative damage. Mutations at this locus have been associated with microcephaly, seizures and developmental delay. This makes PNKP a useful subject for work on DNA strand-break processing, genome stability and the neurological consequences of defective DNA repair. Researchers studying the PNKP protein often examine it alongside other NHEJ and BER components.
PNKP processes 3'-phosphate and 5'-hydroxyl DNA termini so that ends can be extended and ligated, making it central to studies of repair mechanisms.
As a component of the NHEJ pathway, PNKP is relevant to research into how DNA double-strand break ends are made compatible for joining.
PNKP functions in BER, so it is studied in the cellular response to oxidative damage and the processing of damaged DNA termini.
Mutations at the PNKP locus are associated with microcephaly, seizures and developmental delay, linking DNA repair to neurological disease research.
PNKP is a DNA repair enzyme that acts in both non-homologous end-joining and base excision repair. Its two catalytic activities remove 3'-phosphates or phosphorylate 5'-hydroxyl groups on the DNA backbone, leaving termini that are compatible with extension and ligation.
The HGNC name is polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase, and PNK is a recorded alias. UniProt calls the protein bifunctional polynucleotide phosphatase/kinase. No previous HGNC names are listed. Researchers searching for a PNKP antibody or PNKP ELISA kit may therefore also encounter PNK in the literature.
NCBI Gene reports that mutations at the PNKP locus are associated with microcephaly, seizures and developmental delay. A mouse ortholog, Pnkp, exists, which allows comparative work in that species. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other DNA repair enzymes, NHEJ and base excision repair factors and DNA damage response markers with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q96T60; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.