TAOK2 — TAO kinase 2

TAOK2 belongs to a gene co-expression module in 1 of 30 SCUBA cell types. Each module groups genes that rise and fall together in that cell type; the genes it shares a module with are its closest co-expression partners there.

TAOK2's module in each cell type

About the gene

Function

Serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in different processes such as membrane blebbing and apoptotic bodies formation DNA damage response and MAPK14/p38 MAPK stress-activated MAPK cascade. Phosphorylates itself, MBP, activated MAPK8, MAP2K3, MAP2K6 and tubulins. Activates the MAPK14/p38 MAPK signaling pathway through the specific activation and phosphorylation of the upstream MAP2K3 and MAP2K6 kinases. In response to DNA damage, involved in the G2/M transition DNA damage checkpoint by activating the p38/MAPK14 stress- activated MAPK cascade, probably by mediating phosphorylation of upstream MAP2K3 and MAP2K6 kinases. Isoform 1, but not isoform 2, plays a role in apoptotic morphological changes, including cell contraction, membrane blebbing and apoptotic bodies formation. This function, which requires the activation of MAPK8/JNK and nuclear localization of C- terminally truncated isoform 1, may be linked to the mitochondrial CASP9-associated death pathway. Isoform 1 binds to microtubules and affects their organization and stability independently of its kinase activity. Prevents MAP3K7-mediated activation of CHUK, and thus NF- kappa-B activation, but not that of MAPK8/JNK. May play a role in the osmotic stress-MAPK8 pathway. Isoform 2, but not isoform 1, is required for PCDH8 endocytosis. Following homophilic interactions between PCDH8 extracellular domains, isoform 2 phosphorylates and activates MAPK14/p38 MAPK which in turn phosphorylates isoform 2. This process leads to PCDH8 endocytosis and CDH2 cointernalization. Both isoforms are involved in MAPK14 phosphorylation.

Human Protein Atlas · Open Targets · UniProt

Gene annotation from the Human Protein Atlas and UniProt; see sources & licences.