TAOK1
TAOK1 (TAO kinase 1, also known as TAO1, MARKK, PSK2 and MAP3K16) is a cytoplasmic serine/threonine kinase of the STE20 subfamily. It activates the p38/MAPK14 stress-activated cascade and regulates cytoskeleton stability, apoptosis and neuronal development. Browse Assay Genie's current range of TAOK1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
TAOK1 is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that works as an upstream activator of the p38/MAPK14 stress-activated MAPK cascade. It phosphorylates the kinases MAP2K3 and MAP2K6, and this leads to their activation. It is also involved in G protein-coupled receptor signalling to p38/MAPK14. After DNA damage, TAOK1 contributes to the G2/M transition DNA damage checkpoint, probably by phosphorylating MAP2K3 and MAP2K6.
The kinase also acts on the cytoskeleton. TAOK1 phosphorylates MARK2 at Thr-208, which activates MARK2. MARK2 then phosphorylates MAPT/TAU and detaches it from microtubules. This fits NCBI Gene annotation that TAOK1 binds alpha- and beta-tubulin, negatively regulates microtubule depolymerisation and localises to the microtubule cytoskeleton, cytosol and perinuclear region of the cytoplasm. In apoptosis, TAOK1 regulates morphological changes such as cell contraction, membrane blebbing and apoptotic body formation by activating the MAPK8/JNK cascade. It is also essential for neuronal development in the central nervous system and has a role in neuronal migration to the cortical plate.
The TAOK1 gene encodes a member of the STE20 subfamily of the STE Ser/Thr protein kinase family, within the protein kinase superfamily. HGNC places it in the TAO kinase family and among the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases, and also lists it as a microRNA protein coding host gene. Alternative names include KIAA1361, MARKK, PSK2, MAP3K16, hTAOK1 and hKFC-B. Mouse and rat each have a Taok1 ortholog, and TAOK2 is a related TAO kinase family member.
TAOK1 activates the p38/MAPK14 cascade through MAP2K3 and MAP2K6, which makes it useful for studying stress-activated kinase signalling.
TAOK1 takes part in the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint via p38/MAPK14 activation, so it is relevant to cell-cycle arrest after genotoxic stress.
By phosphorylating MARK2 and binding tubulin, TAOK1 influences microtubule stability and the detachment of MAPT/TAU from microtubules.
TAOK1 is essential for central nervous system development and neuronal migration, and it regulates apoptotic morphology through the MAPK8/JNK cascade.
TAOK1 is a serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylates MAP2K3, MAP2K6 and MARK2. Through these targets it activates the p38/MAPK14 cascade, supports the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint, regulates microtubule stability and apoptotic morphology, and contributes to neuronal development and migration.
TAOK1 is the HGNC symbol for TAO kinase 1. UniProt names the protein serine/threonine-protein kinase TAO1. Aliases include TAO1, MARKK, PSK2, MAP3K16, KIAA1361, FLJ14314, hTAOK1 and hKFC-B. Some of these reflect its activity toward MARK2 and its place among the MAP3Ks.
Yes. Mouse and rat both carry a Taok1 ortholog of the human gene. TAOK1 belongs to the STE20 subfamily of protein kinases and has a paralog, TAOK2, in the TAO kinase family. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Related TAO kinase family members and pathway partners with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q7L7X3; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.