Overview:

MINK1 is a member of the germinal center family of kinases that are homologous to the Ste20 family and regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, including cell morphology, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and survival (1). Overexpression of kinase-dead mutants of MINK1 leads to enhanced cell spreading, actin stress fiber formation, adhesion to extracellular matrix and decreased cell motility and invasion. MINK is activated after Ras induction via a mechanism involving reactive oxygen species and mediates stimulation of p38 MAPK downstream of the Raf/ERK pathway (2).

Gene Aliases:

B55; ZC3; MINK; YSK2; hMINK; MAP4K6; MGC21111; hMINKB

Genbank Number:

NM_015716

References:

1. Hu, Y. et al: Identification and functional characterization of a novel human misshapen/Nck interacting kinase-related kinase, hMINK beta. J Biol Chem. 2004 Dec 24;279(52):54387-97.

2. Nicke, B. et al: Involvement of MINK, a Ste20 family kinase, in Ras oncogene-induced growth arrest in human ovarian surface epithelial cells. Mol Cell. 2005 Dec 9;20(5):673-85