The Chk2 protein kinase.
Checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) is a multifunctional enzyme whose functions are central to the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by DNA damage. Insight into Chk2 has derived from multiple approaches. Biochemical studies have addressed Chk2 structure, domain organization and regulation by phosphorylation. Extensive work has been done to identify factors that recognize and respond to DNA damage in order to activate Chk2. In turn a number of substrates and targets of Chk2 have been identified that play roles in the checkpoint response. The roles and regulation of Chk2 have been elucidated by studies in model genetic systems extending from worms and flies to mice and humans. The relationship of Chk2 to human cancer studies is developing rapidly with increasing evidence that Chk2 plays a role in tumor suppression.
Ahn
Jinwoo
J
Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Urist
Marshall
M
Prives
Carol
C
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D001665:Binding Sites; D020134:Catalytic Domain; D002453:Cell Cycle; D064447:Checkpoint Kinase 2; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology; D010766:Phosphorylation; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000502:physiology
D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D064447:Checkpoint Kinase 2; C578634:CHEK2 protein, human; C578633:Chek2 protein, mouse; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases