The tumor suppressor DAP-kinase links cell adhesion and cytoskeleton reorganization to cell death regulation.
Death-associated protein (DAP)-kinase, an actin-cytoskeleton localized serine/threonine kinase, functions as a novel tumor suppressor and participates in a wide variety of cell death systems. Recent studies indicate that DAP-kinase elicits a potent cytoskeletal reorganization effect and is capable of modulating integrin inside-out signaling. Using this understanding of DAP-kinase protein function as a framework, we discuss the functional mechanisms of this kinase in regulating death-associated morphological and signaling events. Furthermore, a potential role of DAP-kinase to be a drug target is also discussed.
Chen
Ruey-Hwa
RH
Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, rhchen@ha.mc.ntu.edu.tw
Wang
Won-Jing
WJ
Kuo
Jean-Cheng
JC
D000818:Animals; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D016923:Cell Death; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D064550:Death-Associated Protein Kinases; D006801:Humans; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000502:physiology
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins; D064550:Death-Associated Protein Kinases; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases