protein kinase

protein kinase

n.

Any of a group of kinases that phosphorylate the amino acids serine, threonine, and tyrosine in certain proteins, that regulate essential aspects of cell growth and movement, and that can cause cancer and other diseases when dysfunctional.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

protein kinase

This name was officially retired in 2005; however, although the term is nonspecific, it is still in common use. It is now formally divided into:
• EC 2.7.11.1, non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.8, Fas-activated serine/threonine kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.9, Goodpasture antigen-binding protein kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.10, IκB kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.11, cAMP-dependent protein kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.12, cGMP-dependent protein kinase;
• EC 2.7.1.13, protein kinase C;
• EC 2.7.11.21, polo kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.22, cyclin-dependent kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.24, mitogen-activated protein kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.25, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase;
• EC 2.7.11.30, receptor protein serine/threonine kinase; and
• EC 2.7.12.1, dual-specificity kinase.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

protein kinase

an ENZYME that catalyses the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to an AMINO ACID in a PROTEIN. In this way, the activity of enzymes can be decreased or increased. By thus altering proteins, kinases are thought to be important in mediating various processes in the CELL.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005