Overview:

DAPK2 or death-associated protein kinase 2 belongs to a family of proapoptotic Ca(2+)/calmodulin-regulated serine/threonine kinases. Overexpression of DAPK2 induces cell apoptosis. DAPK2 has been shown to be a novel Sp1-dependent target gene for E2F1 and Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) in cell death response (1). Both E2F1 and KLF6 strongly activate the DAPK2 promoter. DAPK2 plays a role in granulopoiesis where it is highly expressed. β-catenin can block anoikis of malignant kidney and intestinal epithelial cells and promote their anchorage-independent growth by down-regulating DAPK2 (2). β-catenin-induced down-regulation of DAPK2 requires the presence of the transcription factor TCF-4.

Gene Aliases:

DRP-1; MGC119312

Genbank Number:

NM_014326

References:

1.Britschgi A. et al: DAPK2 is a novel E2F1/KLF6 target gene involved in their proapoptotic function. Oncogene. 2008 Sep 25;27(43):5706-16.

2.Li, H. et al: Down-regulation of death-associated protein kinase-2 is required for beta-catenin-induced anoikis resistance of malignant epithelial cells. J Biol Chem. 2009 Jan 23;284(4):2012-22.