Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].Angiogenesis is a physiological process whereby new blood vessels are formed from existing ones. It is essential for tissue repair and regeneration during wound healing but also plays important roles in many pathological processes including tumor growth and metastasis [, ]. Angiogenesis is regulated in part by the receptor protein tyrosine kinase Tie2 and its ligands, the angiopoietins. The angiopoietin-binding site is harbord by the N-terminal two immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains of Tie2 [].The angiopoietin-1 receptor contains the Tie-2 Ig-like domain. This protein is a tyrosine-kinase transmembrane receptor for angiopoietin 1. It probably regulates endothelial cell proliferation, differentiation and guides the proper patterning of endothelial cells during blood vessel formation.Tie2 contains not two but three immunoglobulin domains. They fold together with the three epidermal growth factor domains to form a compact, arrowhead-shaped structure [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].This entry represents the insulin receptor, as well as related insulin-like receptors. The insulin receptor binds insulin and has a tyrosine-protein kinase activity, and mediates the metabolic functions of insulin. Binding to insulin stimulates the association of the receptor with downstream mediators, including IRS1 and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K). The insulin receptor can activate PI3K either directly by binding to the p85 regulatory subunit, or indirectly via IRS1. When the insulin receptor is present in a hybrid receptor with IGF1R (insulin growth factor receptor), it binds IGF1 (insulin growth factor 1) [, , ].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].A number of growth factors stimulate mitogenesis by interacting with a familyof cell surface receptors which possess an intrinsic, ligand-sensitive,protein tyrosine kinase activity []. These receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK)all share the same topology: an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a singletransmembrane region and a cytoplasmic kinase domain. However they can beclassified into at least five groups. The prototype for class II RTK's is theinsulin receptor, a heterotetramer of two alpha and two beta chains linked bydisulphide bonds. The alpha and beta chains are cleavage products of aprecursor molecule. The alpha chain contains the ligand binding site, the betachain transverses the membrane and contains the tyrosine protein kinasedomain.While only the insulin and the insulin growth factor I receptors are known toexist in the tetrameric conformation specific to class II RTK's, all the aboveproteins share extensive homologies in their kinase domain, especially aroundthe putative site of autophosphorylation.
This entry represents tryptophan-tRNA ligase (TrpRS; also known as tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase) (). The enzyme is widely distributed, being found in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. TrpRS is a homodimer which attaches Tyr to the appropriate tRNA. TrpRS is a class I tRNA synthetase, so it aminoacylates the 2'-OH of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the tRNA. The core domain is based on the Rossman fold and is responsible for the ATP-dependent formation of the enzyme bound aminoacyl-adenylate. It contains class I characteristic 'HIGH' and 'KMSKS' motifs, which are involved in ATP binding [].The class Ia aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases consist of the isoleucyl, methionyl, valyl, leucyl, cysteinyl, and arginyl-tRNA synthetases; the class Ib include the glutamyl and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases, and the class Ic are the tyrosyl and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases [].The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (also known as aminoacyl-tRNA ligases) catalyse the attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA molecule in a highly specific two-step reaction [, ]. These proteins differ widely in size and oligomeric state, and have limited sequence homology []. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are divided into two classes, I and II. Class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases contain a characteristic Rossman fold catalytic domain and are mostly monomeric []. Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases share an anti-parallel β-sheet fold flanked by α-helices [], and are mostly dimeric or multimeric, containing at least three conserved regions [, , ]. However, tRNA binding involves an α-helical structure that is conserved between class I and class II synthetases. In reactions catalysed by the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the aminoacyl group is coupled to the 2'-hydroxyl of the tRNA, while, in class II reactions, the 3'-hydroxyl site is preferred. The synthetases specific for arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and some lysine synthetases (non-eukaryotic group) belong to class I synthetases. The synthetases specific for alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and some lysine synthetases (non-archaeal group), belong to class-II synthetases. Based on their mode of binding to the tRNA acceptor stem, both classes of tRNA synthetases have been subdivided into three subclasses, designated 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a, 2b, 2c [].
Tyrosine-tRNA ligases (TyrRS; also known as Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases) () are widely distributed, being found in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. TyrRS is a homodimer which attaches Tyr to the appropriate tRNA. TyrRS is a class I tRNA synthetases, so it aminoacylates the 2'-OH of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the tRNA. The core domain is based on the Rossman fold and is responsible for the ATP-dependent formation of the enzyme bound aminoacyl-adenylate. It contains the class I characteristic 'HIGH' and 'KMSKS' motifs, which are involved in ATP binding. Studies have shown that the 'KMSKS' motif plays a role in the initial binding of tRNA(Tyr) to tyrosine-tRNA ligase [].The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (also known as aminoacyl-tRNA ligases) catalyse the attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA molecule in a highly specific two-step reaction [, ]. These proteins differ widely in size and oligomeric state, and have limited sequence homology []. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are divided into two classes, I and II. Class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases contain a characteristic Rossman fold catalytic domain and are mostly monomeric []. Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases share an anti-parallel β-sheet fold flanked by α-helices [], and are mostly dimeric or multimeric, containing at least three conserved regions [, , ]. However, tRNA binding involves an α-helical structure that is conserved between class I and class II synthetases. In reactions catalysed by the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the aminoacyl group is coupled to the 2'-hydroxyl of the tRNA, while, in class II reactions, the 3'-hydroxyl site is preferred. The synthetases specific for arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and some lysine synthetases (non-eukaryotic group) belong to class I synthetases. The synthetases specific for alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and some lysine synthetases (non-archaeal group), belong to class-II synthetases. Based on their mode of binding to the tRNA acceptor stem, both classes of tRNA synthetases have been subdivided into three subclasses, designated 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a, 2b, 2c [].The class Ia aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases consist of the isoleucyl, methionyl, valyl, leucyl, cysteinyl, and arginyl-tRNA synthetases; the class Ib include the glutamyl and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases, and the class Ic are the tyrosyl and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases [].
Tyrosine-tRNA ligases (TyrRS; also known as Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases) () are widely distributed, being found in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. TyrRS is a homodimer which attaches Tyr to the appropriate tRNA. TyrRS is a class I tRNA synthetases, so it aminoacylates the 2'-OH of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the tRNA. The core domain is based on the Rossman fold and is responsible for the ATP-dependent formation of the enzyme bound aminoacyl-adenylate. It contains the class I characteristic 'HIGH' and 'KMSKS' motifs, which are involved in ATP binding. Studies have shown that the 'KMSKS' motif plays a role in the initial binding of tRNA(Tyr) to tyrosine-tRNA ligase [].The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (also known as aminoacyl-tRNA ligases) catalyse the attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA molecule in a highly specific two-step reaction [, ]. These proteins differ widely in size and oligomeric state, and have limited sequence homology []. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are divided into two classes, I and II. Class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases contain a characteristic Rossman fold catalytic domain and are mostly monomeric []. Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases share an anti-parallel β-sheet fold flanked by α-helices [], and are mostly dimeric or multimeric, containing at least three conserved regions [, , ]. However, tRNA binding involves an α-helical structure that is conserved between class I and class II synthetases. In reactions catalysed by the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the aminoacyl group is coupled to the 2'-hydroxyl of the tRNA, while, in class II reactions, the 3'-hydroxyl site is preferred. The synthetases specific for arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and some lysine synthetases (non-eukaryotic group) belong to class I synthetases. The synthetases specific for alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and some lysine synthetases (non-archaeal group), belong to class-II synthetases. Based on their mode of binding to the tRNA acceptor stem, both classes of tRNA synthetases have been subdivided into three subclasses, designated 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a, 2b, 2c [].Two groups can be distinguished among tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases. One group contains bacterial andorganellar eukaryotic examples. The other contains archaeal and cytosolic eukaryotic examples. This entry represents the archaeal and cytosolic eukaryotic tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases.
Tyrosine-tRNA ligases (TyrRS; also known as Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases) () are widely distributed, being found in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. TyrRS is a homodimer which attaches Tyr to the appropriate tRNA. TyrRS is a class I tRNA synthetases, so it aminoacylates the 2'-OH of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the tRNA. The core domain is based on the Rossman fold and is responsible for the ATP-dependent formation of the enzyme bound aminoacyl-adenylate. It contains the class I characteristic 'HIGH' and 'KMSKS' motifs, which are involved in ATP binding. Studies have shown that the 'KMSKS' motif plays a role in the initial binding of tRNA(Tyr) to tyrosine-tRNA ligase [].Two main groups can be distinguished among tyrosine-tRNA ligases: one group contains bacterial and organellar eukaryotic proteins and the other archaeal and cytosolic eukaryotic proteins. This entry represents the bacterial and organellar eukaryotic tyrosine-tRNA ligases.The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (also known as aminoacyl-tRNA ligases) catalyse the attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA molecule in a highly specific two-step reaction [, ]. These proteins differ widely in size and oligomeric state, and have limited sequence homology []. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are divided into two classes, I and II. Class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases contain a characteristic Rossman fold catalytic domain and are mostly monomeric []. Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases share an anti-parallel β-sheet fold flanked by α-helices [], and are mostly dimeric or multimeric, containing at least three conserved regions [, , ]. However, tRNA binding involves an α-helical structure that is conserved between class I and class II synthetases. In reactions catalysed by the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the aminoacyl group is coupled to the 2'-hydroxyl of the tRNA, while, in class II reactions, the 3'-hydroxyl site is preferred. The synthetases specific for arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and some lysine synthetases (non-eukaryotic group) belong to class I synthetases. The synthetases specific for alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and some lysine synthetases (non-archaeal group), belong to class-II synthetases. Based on their mode of binding to the tRNA acceptor stem, both classes of tRNA synthetases have been subdivided into three subclasses, designated 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a, 2b, 2c [].The class Ia aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases consist of the isoleucyl, methionyl, valyl, leucyl, cysteinyl, and arginyl-tRNA synthetases; the class Ib include the glutamyl and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases, and the class Ic are the tyrosyl and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases [].
Tyrosine-tRNA ligases (TyrRS; also known as Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases) () are widely distributed, being found in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. TyrRS is a homodimer which attaches Tyr to the appropriate tRNA. TyrRS is a class I tRNA synthetases, so it aminoacylates the 2'-OH of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the tRNA. The core domain is based on the Rossman fold and is responsible for the ATP-dependent formation of the enzyme bound aminoacyl-adenylate. It contains the class I characteristic 'HIGH' and 'KMSKS' motifs, which are involved in ATP binding. Studies have shown that the 'KMSKS' motif plays a role in the initial binding of tRNA(Tyr) to tyrosine-tRNA ligase [].Two main groups can be distinguished among tyrosine-tRNA ligase: one group contains bacterial and organellar eukaryotic proteins and the other archaeal and cytosolic eukaryotic proteins. This entry belongs to the first group and contains tyrosein-tRNA ligase classified as type 2.The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (also known as aminoacyl-tRNA ligases) catalyse the attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA molecule in a highly specific two-step reaction [, ]. These proteins differ widely in size and oligomeric state, and have limited sequence homology []. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are divided into two classes, I and II. Class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases contain a characteristic Rossman fold catalytic domain and are mostly monomeric []. Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases share an anti-parallel β-sheet fold flanked by α-helices [], and are mostly dimeric or multimeric, containing at least three conserved regions [, , ]. However, tRNA binding involves an α-helical structure that is conserved between class I and class II synthetases. In reactions catalysed by the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the aminoacyl group is coupled to the 2'-hydroxyl of the tRNA, while, in class II reactions, the 3'-hydroxyl site is preferred. The synthetases specific for arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and some lysine synthetases (non-eukaryotic group) belong to class I synthetases. The synthetases specific for alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and some lysine synthetases (non-archaeal group), belong to class-II synthetases. Based on their mode of binding to the tRNA acceptor stem, both classes of tRNA synthetases have been subdivided into three subclasses, designated 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a, 2b, 2c [].The class Ia aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases consist of the isoleucyl, methionyl, valyl, leucyl, cysteinyl, and arginyl-tRNA synthetases; the class Ib include the glutamyl and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases, and the class Ic are the tyrosyl and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases [].
Tyrosine-tRNA ligases (TyrRS; also known as Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases) () are widely distributed, being found in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. TyrRS is a homodimer which attaches Tyr to the appropriate tRNA. TyrRS is a class I tRNA synthetases, so it aminoacylates the 2'-OH of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the tRNA. The core domain is based on the Rossman fold and is responsible for the ATP-dependent formation of the enzyme bound aminoacyl-adenylate. It contains the class I characteristic 'HIGH' and 'KMSKS' motifs, which are involved in ATP binding. Studies have shown that the 'KMSKS' motif plays a role in the initial binding of tRNA(Tyr) to tyrosine-tRNA ligase [].Twomain groups can be distinguished among tyrosine-tRNA ligases: one group contains bacterial and organellar eukaryotic proteins and the other archaeal and cytosolic eukaryotic proteins. This entry represents contains bacterial and organellar eukaryotic tyrosine-tRNA ligases classified as type 1.The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (also known as aminoacyl-tRNA ligases) catalyse the attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA molecule in a highly specific two-step reaction [, ]. These proteins differ widely in size and oligomeric state, and have limited sequence homology []. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are divided into two classes, I and II. Class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases contain a characteristic Rossman fold catalytic domain and are mostly monomeric []. Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases share an anti-parallel β-sheet fold flanked by α-helices [], and are mostly dimeric or multimeric, containing at least three conserved regions [, , ]. However, tRNA binding involves an α-helical structure that is conserved between class I and class II synthetases. In reactions catalysed by the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the aminoacyl group is coupled to the 2'-hydroxyl of the tRNA, while, in class II reactions, the 3'-hydroxyl site is preferred. The synthetases specific for arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and some lysine synthetases (non-eukaryotic group) belong to class I synthetases. The synthetases specific for alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and some lysine synthetases (non-archaeal group), belong to class-II synthetases. Based on their mode of binding to the tRNA acceptor stem, both classes of tRNA synthetases have been subdivided into three subclasses, designated 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a, 2b, 2c [].The class Ia aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases consist of the isoleucyl, methionyl, valyl, leucyl, cysteinyl, and arginyl-tRNA synthetases; the class Ib include the glutamyl and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases, and the class Ic are the tyrosyl and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].In the absence of cAMP, protein kinase A (PKA) exists as an equimolar tetramer of regulatory (R) and catalytic (C) subunits. In addition to its role as an inhibitor of the C subunit, the R subunit anchors the holoenzyme to specific intracellular locations and prevents the C subunit from entering the nucleus. Typical R subunits have a conserved domain structure, consisting of the N-terminal dimerisation domain, inhibitory region, cAMP-binding domain A and cAMP-binding domain B. R subunits interact with C subunits primarily through the inhibitory site. The cAMP-binding domains show extensive sequence similarity and bind cAMP cooperatively.On the basis of phylogenetic trees generated from multiple sequence alignment of complete sequences, this family was divided into four sub-families, types I to IV []. Types I and II, found in animals, differ in molecular weight, sequence, autophosphorylation capability, cellular location and tissue distribution. Types I and II are further sub-divided into alpha and beta subtypes, based mainly on sequence similarity. Type III are from fungi and type IV are from alveolates.
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Protein kinases are a group of enzymes that possess a catalytic subunit, which transfers the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues (such as serine, threonine, or tyrosine) in a substrate protein's side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Protein kinase function has been evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to Homo sapiens (Human), where they play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation [].The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), also called Mullerian inhibiting substance, is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family that represses the development and function of reproductive organs []. Anti-Mullerian hormone is thought to exert its effects through two membrane-bound serine/threonine kinase receptors, type 2 and type 1. Upon ligand binding, these drive receptor-specific cytoplasmic substrates, the Smad molecules, into the nucleus where they act as transcription factors. A type 2 receptor specific for AMH was cloned through its homology with receptors of TGF-beta family members. Components of the AMH signalling pathway have been identified in gonads and gonadal cell lines. The AMH type II receptor is highly specific. In contrast, the identity of the AMH type I receptor is not clear.
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].This entry represents the non-receptor tyrosine kinases SYK and ZAP-70 [, , ]:SYK is a positive effector of BCR-stimulated responses. It couples the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) to the mobilisation of calcium ion, either through a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent pathway (when not phosphorylated on tyrosines of the linker region), or through a phospholipase C-gamma-dependent pathway (when phosphorylated on Tyr-342 and Tyr-346). Therefore, the differential phosphorylation of Syk can determine the pathway by which BCR is coupled to the regulation of intracellular calcium ion [, ].ZAP70 plays a role in T-cell development and lymphocyte activation. It is essential for TCR-mediated IL-2 production. Isoform 1 of ZAP70 induces TCR-mediated signal transduction, isoform 2 does not [, ].
Peptidase family A1, also known as the pepsin family, contains peptidases with bilobed structures [, ]. The two domains most probably evolved from the duplication of an ancestral gene encoding a primordial domain []. The active site is formed from an aspartic acid residue from each domain. Each aspartic acid occurs within a motif with the sequence D(T/S)G(T/S). Exceptionally, in the histoaspactic peptidase from Plasmodium falciparum, one of the Asp residues is replaced by His []. A third essential residue, Tyr or Phe, is found on the N-terminal domain only in a β-hairpin loop known as the "flap"; this residue is important for substrate binding, and most members of the family have a preference for a hydrophobic residue in the S1 substrate binding pocket. Most members of the family are active at acidic pH, but renin is unusually active at neutral pH. Family A1 peptidases are found predominantly in eukaryotes (but examples are known from bacteria [, ]). Currently known eukaryotic aspartyl peptidases and homologues include the following:Vertebrate gastric pepsins A (), gastricsin (, also known pepsin C), chymosin (; formerly known as rennin), and cathepsin E (). Pepsin A is widely used in protein sequencing because of its limited and predictable specificity. Chymosin is used to clot milk for cheese making.Lysosomal cathepsin D ().Renin () which functions in control of blood pressure by generating angiotensin I from angiotensinogen in the plasma.Memapsins 1 (; also known as BACE 2) and 2 (; also known as BACE) are membrane-bound and are able to perform one of the two cleavages (the beta-cleavage, hence they are also known as beta-secretases) in the beta-amyloid precursor to release the the amyloid-beta peptide, which accumulates in the plaques of Alzheimer's disease patients.Fungal peptidases such as aspergillopepsin A (), candidapepsin (), mucorpepsin (; also known as Mucorrennin), endothiapepsin (), polyporopepsin (), and rhizopuspepsin () are secreted for sapprophytic protein digestion.Fungal saccharopepsin () (proteinase A) (gene PEP4) is implicated in post-translational regulation of vacuolar hydrolases.Yeast barrierpepsin () (gene BAR1); a protease that cleaves alpha-factor and thus acts as an antagonist of the mating pheromone.Fission yeast Sxa1 may be involved in degrading or processing the mating pheromones [].In plants, phytepsin () degrades seed storage proteins and nepenthesin (EC 3.4.23.12) from a pitcher plant digests insect proteins. Also are included Aspartic proteinase 36 and Aspartic proteinase 39, which contribute to pollen and ovule development and have an important role in plant development in Arabidopsis [].Plasmepsins (and ) from Plasmodium species are important for the degradation of host haemoglobin.Non-peptidase homologues where one or more active site residues have been replaced, include mammalian pregnancy-associated glycoproteins, an allergen from a cockroach, and a xylanase inhibitor [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].The AGC (cAMP-dependent, cGMP-dependent and protein kinase C) protein kinase family embraces a collection of protein kinases that display a high degree of sequence similarity within their respective kinase domains. AGC kinase proteins are characterised by three conserved phosphorylation sites that critically regulate their function. The first one is located in an activation loop in the centre of the kinase domain. The two other phosphorylation sites are located outside the kinase domain in a conserved region on its C-terminal side, the AGC-kinase C-terminal domain. These sites serves as phosphorylation-regulated switches to control both intra- and inter-molecular interactions. Without these priming phosphorylations, the kinases are catalytically inactive [, , ].Several structures of the AGC-kinase C-terminal domain have been solved. The first phosphorylation site is located in a turn motif, the second one at the end of the domain in an hydrophobic pocket. In PKB the phosphorylated hydrophobic motif engages a hydrophobic groove within the N-lobe of the kinase domain which orders alpha helices close to the active site [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].The proteins in this family are homologues of the EpsG protein found in Methylobacillus sp. 12S and are generally found in operons with other Eps homologues. The protein is believed to function as the protein tyrosine kinase component of the chain length regulator (along with the transmembrane component EpsF).
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].In the absence of cAMP, Protein Kinase A (PKA) exists as an equimolar tetramer of regulatory (R) and catalytic (C) subunits []. In addition to its role as an inhibitor of the C subunit, the R subunit anchors the holoenzyme to specific intracellular locations and prevents the C subunit from entering the nucleus. All R subunits have a conserved domain structure consisting of the N-terminal dimerization domain, inhibitory region, cAMP-binding domain A and cAMP-binding domain B. R subunits interact with C subunits primarily through the inhibitory site. The cAMP-binding domains show extensive sequence similarity and bind cAMP cooperatively.Two types of regulatory (R) subunits exist - types I and II - which differ in molecular weight, sequence, autophosphorylation capability, cellular location and tissue distribution. Types I and II were further sub-divided into alpha and beta subtypes, based mainly on sequence similarity. This entry represents the dimerization-anchoring domain of types I-alpha, I-beta, II-alpha and II-beta regulatory subunits of PKA proteins.The dimerization-anchoring domain is located within the first 45 residues of each regulatory subunit, and forms a high affinity binding site for A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs) [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Eukaryotic serine-threonine mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are key regulators of cellular signal transduction systems and are conserved from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker's yeast) to human beings. MAPK pathways are signalling cascades differentially regulated by growth factors, mitogens, hormones and stress which mediate cell growth, differentiation and survival. MAPK activity is regulated through a (usually) three-tiered cascade composed of a MAPK, a MAPK kinase (MAPKK, MEK) and a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKK, MEKK). Substrates for the MAPKs include other kinases and transcription factors []. Mammals express at least four distinctly related groups of MAPKs, extracellularly-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), p38 proteins and ERK5. Plant MAPK pathways have attracted increasing interest, resulting in the isolation of a large number of different components of MAPK cascades. MAPKs play important roles in the signalling of most plant hormones and in developmental processes []. In the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, four separate but structurally related mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)activation pathways are known, regulating mating, cell integrity and osmosity [].Enzymes in this family are characterised by two domains separated by a deep channel where potential substrates might bind. The N-terminal domain creates a binding pocket for the adenine ring of ATP, and the C-terminal domain contains the catalytic base, magnesium binding sites and phosphorylation lip []. Almost all MAPKs possess a conserved TXY motif in which both the threonine andtyrosine residues are phosphorylated during activation of the enzyme byupstream dual-specificity MAP kinase kinases (MAPKKs).
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].A number of growth factors stimulate mitogenesis by interacting with a familyof cell surface receptors which possess an intrinsic, ligand-sensitive,protein tyrosine kinase activity []. These receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK)all share the same topology: an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a singletransmembrane region and a cytoplasmic kinase domain and have beenclassified into at least five groups on the basis of sequence similarities.The extracellular domain of class V RTK's has 16 conserved cysteine residues that are probably involved indisulphide bonds; this region is followed by two copies of a fibronectin typeIII domain. The ligands for these receptors are proteins known as ephrins. The EPHA subtype receptors bind to GPI-anchored ephrins while the EPHB subtypereceptors bind to type-I membrane ephrins.
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].SYK is a positive effector of B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) stimulated responses [, ]. ZAP-70 plays a role in T-cell development and lymphocyte activation. It is essential for TCR-mediated IL-2 production [, ].The N-terminal region of ZAP-70 consists of two SH2 domains that are connected by an helical region. The overall fold is Y shaped, with the intervening residues forming the stem []. This superfamily represents the inter-SH2 domain found in ZAP-70 and SYK kinases.
The group of proteins in this entry are tyrosine-tRNA ligases from archaea, and they belong to tyrosine-tRNA ligases type 4.Tyrosine-tRNA ligases (TyrRS; also known as Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases) () are widely distributed, being found in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. TyrRS is a homodimer which attaches Tyr to the appropriate tRNA. TyrRS is a class I tRNA synthetases, so it aminoacylates the 2'-OH of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the tRNA. The core domain is based on the Rossman fold and is responsible for the ATP-dependent formation of the enzyme bound aminoacyl-adenylate. It contains the class I characteristic 'HIGH' and 'KMSKS' motifs, which are involved in ATP binding. Studies have shown that the 'KMSKS' motif plays a role in the initial binding of tRNA(Tyr) to tyrosine-tRNA ligase [].The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (also known as aminoacyl-tRNA ligases) catalyse the attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA molecule in a highly specific two-step reaction [, ]. These proteins differ widely in size and oligomeric state, and have limited sequence homology []. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are divided into two classes, I and II. Class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases contain a characteristic Rossman fold catalytic domain and are mostly monomeric []. Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases share an anti-parallel β-sheet fold flanked by α-helices [], and are mostly dimeric or multimeric, containing at least three conserved regions [, , ]. However, tRNA binding involves an α-helical structure that is conserved between class I and class II synthetases. In reactions catalysed by the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the aminoacyl group is coupled to the 2'-hydroxyl of the tRNA, while, in class II reactions, the 3'-hydroxyl site is preferred. The synthetases specific for arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and some lysine synthetases (non-eukaryotic group) belong to class I synthetases. The synthetases specific for alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and some lysine synthetases (non-archaeal group), belong to class-II synthetases. Based on their mode of binding to the tRNA acceptor stem, both classes of tRNA synthetases have been subdivided into three subclasses, designated 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a, 2b, 2c [].The class Ia aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases consist of the isoleucyl, methionyl, valyl, leucyl, cysteinyl, and arginyl-tRNA synthetases; the class Ib include the glutamyl and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases, and the class Ic are the tyrosyl and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases [].
The group of proteins in this entry are tyrosine-tRNA ligases from archaea, and they belong to tyrosine-tRNA ligases type 3.Tyrosine-tRNA ligases (TyrRS; also known as Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases) () are widely distributed, being found in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. TyrRS is a homodimer which attaches Tyr to the appropriate tRNA. TyrRS is a class I tRNA synthetases, so it aminoacylates the 2'-OH of the nucleotide at the 3' end of the tRNA. The core domain is based on the Rossman fold and is responsible for the ATP-dependent formation of the enzyme bound aminoacyl-adenylate. It contains the class I characteristic 'HIGH' and 'KMSKS' motifs, which are involved in ATP binding. Studies have shown that the 'KMSKS' motif plays a role in the initial binding of tRNA(Tyr) to tyrosine-tRNA ligase [].The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (also known as aminoacyl-tRNA ligases) catalyse the attachment of an amino acid to its cognate transfer RNA molecule in a highly specific two-step reaction [, ]. These proteins differ widely in size and oligomeric state, and have limited sequence homology []. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are divided into two classes, I and II. Class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases contain a characteristic Rossman fold catalytic domain and are mostly monomeric []. Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases share an anti-parallel β-sheet fold flanked by α-helices [], and are mostly dimeric or multimeric, containing at least three conserved regions [, , ]. However, tRNA binding involves an α-helical structure that is conserved between class I and class II synthetases. In reactions catalysed by the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the aminoacyl group is coupled to the 2'-hydroxyl of the tRNA, while, in class II reactions, the 3'-hydroxyl site is preferred. The synthetases specific for arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and some lysine synthetases (non-eukaryotic group) belong to class I synthetases. The synthetases specific for alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and some lysine synthetases (non-archaeal group), belong to class-II synthetases. Based on their mode of binding to the tRNA acceptor stem, both classes of tRNA synthetases have been subdivided into three subclasses, designated 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a, 2b, 2c [].The class Ia aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases consist of the isoleucyl, methionyl, valyl, leucyl, cysteinyl, and arginyl-tRNA synthetases; the class Ib include the glutamyl and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases, and the class Ic are the tyrosyl and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].This entry represents the tyrosine protein kinase active site. It also matches a number of proteins belonging to the atypical serine/threonine protein kinase BUD32 family, which lack the conventional structural elements necessary for the substrate recognition and also lack the lysine residue that in all other serine/threonine kinases participates in the catalytic event.
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Eukaryotic serine-threonine mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are key regulators of cellular signal transduction systems and are conserved from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker's yeast) to human beings. MAPK pathways are signalling cascades differentially regulated by growth factors, mitogens, hormones and stress which mediate cell growth, differentiation and survival. MAPK activity is regulated through a (usually) three-tiered cascade composed of a MAPK, a MAPK kinase (MAPKK, MEK) and a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKK, MEKK). Substrates for the MAPKs include other kinases and transcription factors []. Mammals express at least four distinctly related groups of MAPKs, extracellularly-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), p38 proteins and ERK5. Plant MAPK pathways have attracted increasing interest,resulting in the isolation of a large number of different components of MAPK cascades. MAPKs play important roles in the signalling of most plant hormones and in developmental processes []. In the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, four separate but structurally related mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)activation pathways are known, regulating mating, cell integrity and osmosity [].Enzymes in this family are characterised by two domains separated by a deep channel where potential substrates might bind. The N-terminal domain creates a binding pocket for the adenine ring of ATP, and the C-terminal domain contains the catalytic base, magnesium binding sites and phosphorylation lip []. Almost all MAPKs possess a conserved TXY motif in which both the threonine andtyrosine residues are phosphorylated during activation of the enzyme byupstream dual-specificity MAP kinase kinases (MAPKKs).This group represents a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase, which may play a role in the response to environmental stress. It appears to act upstream of the JUN N-terminal pathway [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].MAP (Mitogen Activated Protein) kinases participate in kinase cascades,whereby at least 3 protein kinases act in series, culminating in activationof MAP kinase [, ]. MAP kinases are activated by dual phosphorylation on both tyrosine and threonine residues of a conserved TXY motif.ERKs (Extracellularly Regulated Kinases) belong to the family of MAPkinases. ERK1 (also known as MAPK3) and ERK2 (also known as MAPK1) are proteins of 43 and 41kDa respectively. They are ~85% identical, even higher levels of similarity being seen in substrate bindingregions. Both are ubiquitously expressed, although levels vary fromtissue to tissue. They are activated, for example, by serum, growth factorsand cytokines. They phosphorylate both cytoskeletal proteins andtranscription factors, resulting ultimately in cell growth. Substrates carrya PX(T/S)P motif; other such "docking domains"also exist within ERK, whichinteract with specific motifs in the substrate: e.g., ERK1 and ERK2 possess2 DXXD docking sites capable of interaction with a Kinase Interaction Motif(KIM), which can be found on activators (MAPKK), inhibitors (PTP-SL and dualspecificity phosphatases) and substrates (Elk-1).
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].MAP (Mitogen Activated Protein) kinases participate in kinase cascades,whereby at least 3 protein kinases act in series, culminating in activationof MAP kinase []. MAP kinases are activated by dual phosphorylationon both tyrosine and threonine residues of a conserved TXY motif.ERKs (Extracellularly Regulated Kinases) belong to the family of MAPkinases. ERK 3 (also known as MAPK6) and ERK 4 (also known as MAPK4), however, have no more similarity to ERK 1 and 2 thando the other major classes of MAP kinase, JNK and p38. ERK3 isconstitutively located in the nucleus, despite the lack of a traditionalnuclear localisation signal []. It is unique among MAP kinases incontaining in its activation loop only a single phosphorylation site (serine189) - other MAP kinases have the sequence TXY in this loop, but ERK3contains SEG, with glycine in place of tyrosine.ERK3 has no homologues in nematode or yeast genomes, indicating that it mayhave arisen from a relatively late gene duplication. Its structure,based on similarity to ERK2, contains segregated alpha and beta regions.
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].Janus kinases (JAKs) are tyrosine kinases that function in membrane-proximal signalling events initiated by a variety of extracellular factors binding to cell surface receptors []. Many type I and II cytokine receptors lack a protein tyrosine kinase domain and rely on JAKs to initiate the cytoplasmic signal transduction cascade. Ligand binding induces oligomerisation of the receptors, which then activates the cytoplasmic receptor-associated JAKs. These subsequently phosphorylate tyrosine residues along the receptor chains with which they are associated. The phosphotyrosine residues are a target for a variety of SH2 domain-containing transducer proteins. Amongst these are the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins, which, after binding to the receptor chains, are phosphorylated by the JAK proteins. Phosphorylation enables the STAT proteins to dimerise and translocate into the nucleus, where they alter the expression of cytokine-regulated genes. This system is known as the JAK-STAT pathway.Four mammalian JAK family members have been identified: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. They are relatively large kinases of approximately 1150 amino acids, with molecular weights of ~120-130kDa. Their amino acid sequences are characterised by the presence of 7 highly conserved domains, termed JAK homology (JH) domains. The C-terminal domain (JH1) is responsible for the tyrosine kinase function. The next domain in the sequence (JH2) is known as the tyrosine kinase-like domain, as its sequence shows high similarity to functional kinases but does not possess any catalytic activity. Although the function of this domain is not well established, there is some evidence for a regulatory role on the JH1 domain, thus modulating catalytic activity. The N-terminal portion of the JAKs (spanning JH7 to JH3) is important for receptor association and non-catalytic activity, and consists of JH3-JH4, which is homologous to the SH2 domain, and lastly JH5-JH7, which is a FERM domain.This represents the non-receptor tyrosine kinase JAK3, which is involved in the interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 signalling pathway. Jak3 phosphorylates STAT6, IRS1, IRS2 and PI3K [].
Protein tyrosine (pTyr) phosphorylation is a common post-translational modification which can create novel recognition motifs for protein interactions and cellular localisation, affect protein stability, and regulate enzyme activity. Consequently, maintaining an appropriate level of protein tyrosine phosphorylation is essential for many cellular functions. Tyrosine-specific protein phosphatases (PTPase; ) catalyse the removal of a phosphate group attached to a tyrosine residue, using a cysteinyl-phosphate enzyme intermediate. These enzymes are key regulatory components in signal transduction pathways (such as the MAP kinase pathway) and cell cycle control, and are important in the control of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and transformation [, ]. The PTP superfamily can be divided into four subfamilies []:(1) pTyr-specific phosphatases(2) dual specificity phosphatases (dTyr and dSer/dThr)(3) Cdc25 phosphatases (dTyr and/or dThr)(4) LMW (low molecular weight) phosphatasesBased on their cellular localisation, PTPases are also classified as:Receptor-like, which are transmembrane receptors that contain PTPase domains []Non-receptor (intracellular) PTPases []All PTPases carry the highly conserved active site motif C(X)5R (PTP signature motif), employ a common catalytic mechanism, and share a similar core structure made of a central parallel β-sheet with flanking α-helices containing a β-loop-α-loop that encompasses the PTP signature motif []. Functional diversity between PTPases is endowed by regulatory domains and subunits. This entry represents dual specificity protein-tyrosine phosphatases. Ser/Thr and Tyr dual specificity phosphatases are a group of enzymes with both Ser/Thr () and tyrosine specific protein phosphatase () activity able to remove both the serine/threonine or tyrosine-bound phosphate group from a wide range of phosphoproteins, including a number of enzymes which have been phosphorylatedunder the action of a kinase. Dual specificity protein phosphatases (DSPs) regulate mitogenic signal transduction and control the cell cycle. The crystal structure of a human DSP, vaccinia H1-related phosphatase (or VHR), has been determined at 2.1 angstrom resolution []. A shallow active site pocket in VHR allows for the hydrolysis of phosphorylated serine, threonine, or tyrosine protein residues, whereas the deeper active site of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) restricts substrate specificity to only phosphotyrosine. Positively charged crevices near the active site may explain the enzyme's preference for substrates with two phosphorylated residues. The VHR structure defines a conserved structural scaffold for both DSPs and PTPs. A "recognition region"connecting helix alpha1 to strand beta1, may determine differences in substrate specificity between VHR, the PTPs, and other DSPs.These proteins may also have inactive phosphatase domains, and dependent on the domain composition this loss of catalytic activity has different effects on protein function. Inactive single domain phosphatases can still specifically bind substrates, and protect again dephosphorylation, while the inactive domains of tandem phosphatases can be further subdivided into two classes. Those which bind phosphorylated tyrosine residues may recruit multi-phosphorylated substrates for the adjacent active domains and are more conserved, while the other class have accumulated several variable amino acid substitutions and have a complete loss of tyrosine binding capability. The second class shows a release of evolutionary constraint for the sites around the catalytic centre, which emphasises a difference in function from the first group. There is a region of higher conservation common to both classes, suggesting a new regulatory centre [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].A number of growth factors stimulate mitogenesis by interacting with a family of cell surface receptors which possess an intrinsic, ligand-sensitive, protein tyrosine kinase activity []. These receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) all share the same topology: an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a single transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic kinase domain. However they can be classified into at least five groups. The class III RTK's are characterised by the presence of five to seven immunoglobulin-like domains []in their extracellular section. Their kinase domain differs from that of other RTK's by the insertion of a stretch of 70 to 100 hydrophilic residues in the middle of this domain. The receptors currently known to belong to class III are:Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R). PDGF-R exists as a homo- or heterodimer of two related chains: alpha and beta [].Macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor (CSF-1-R) (also known as the fms oncogene).Stem cell factor (mast cell growth factor) receptor (also known as the kit oncogene).Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR [].Fl cytokine receptor Flk-2/Flt-3 [].The putative receptor Flt-4 [].This entry represents a short, conserved region found within these proteins.
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].Janus kinases (JAKs) are tyrosine kinases that function in membrane-proximal signalling events initiated by a variety of extracellular factors binding to cell surface receptors []. Many type I and II cytokine receptors lack a protein tyrosine kinase domain and rely on JAKs to initiate the cytoplasmic signal transduction cascade. Ligand binding induces oligomerisation of the receptors, which then activates the cytoplasmic receptor-associated JAKs. These subsequently phosphorylate tyrosine residues along the receptor chains with which they are associated. The phosphotyrosine residues are a target for a variety of SH2 domain-containing transducer proteins. Amongst these are the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins, which, after binding to the receptor chains, are phosphorylated by the JAK proteins. Phosphorylation enables the STAT proteins to dimerise and translocate into the nucleus, where they alter the expression of cytokine-regulated genes. This system is known as the JAK-STAT pathway.Four mammalian JAK family members have been identified: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. They are relatively large kinases of approximately 1150 amino acids, with molecular weights of ~120-130kDa. Their amino acid sequences are characterised by the presence of 7 highly conserved domains, termed JAK homology (JH) domains. The C-terminal domain (JH1) is responsible for the tyrosine kinase function. The next domain in the sequence (JH2) is known as the tyrosine kinase-like domain, as its sequence shows high similarity to functional kinases but does not possess any catalytic activity. Although the function of this domain is not well established, there is some evidence for a regulatory role on the JH1 domain, thus modulating catalytic activity. The N-terminal portion of the JAKs (spanning JH7 to JH3) is important for receptor association and non-catalytic activity, and consists of JH3-JH4, which is homologous to the SH2 domain, and lastly JH5-JH7, which is a FERM domain.This entry represents the non-receptor tyrosine kinases Jak and Tyk2:Jak1 appears to be required in early development for specific cell migrations (epiboly), for the expression of the homeobox protein goosecoid and for the formation of anterior structures [].Jak2 plays a role in leptin signalling and in the control of body weight. It is involved in interleukin-3, and probably interleukin-23, signal transduction [].Jak3 is involved in the interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 signalling pathway. It phosphorylates STAT6, IRS1, IRS2 and PI3K [].Tyk2 is probably involved in intracellular signal transduction by being involved in the initiation of type I IFN signalling. It phosphorylates the interferon-alpha/beta receptor alpha chain [].
Protein phosphorylation, which plays a key role in most cellular activities, is a reversible process mediated by protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Protein kinases catalyse the transfer of the gamma phosphate from nucleotide triphosphates (often ATP) to one or more amino acid residues in a protein substrate side chain, resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function. Phosphoprotein phosphatases catalyse the reverse process. Protein kinases fall into three broad classes, characterised with respect to substrate specificity []:Serine/threonine-protein kinasesTyrosine-protein kinasesDual specificity protein kinases (e.g. MEK - phosphorylates both Thr and Tyr on target proteins)Protein kinase function is evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to human []. Protein kinases play a role in a multitude of cellular processes, including division, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation []. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins. The catalytic subunits of protein kinases are highly conserved, and several structures have been solved [], leading to large screens to develop kinase-specific inhibitors for the treatments of a number of diseases [].Tyrosine-protein kinases can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. These enzymes can be divided into two main groups []:Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), which are transmembrane proteins involved in signal transduction; they play key roles in growth, differentiation, metabolism, adhesion, motility, death and oncogenesis []. RTKs are composed of 3 domains: an extracellular domain (binds ligand), a transmembrane (TM) domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain (phosphorylates substrate). The TM domain plays an important role in the dimerisation process necessary for signal transduction []. Cytoplasmic / non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which act as regulatory proteins, playing key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. For example, the Src-family of protein-tyrosine kinases [].Janus kinases (JAKs) are tyrosine kinases that function in membrane-proximal signalling events initiated by a variety of extracellular factors binding to cell surface receptors []. Many type I and II cytokine receptors lack a protein tyrosine kinase domain and rely on JAKs to initiate the cytoplasmic signal transduction cascade. Ligand binding induces oligomerisation of the receptors, which then activates the cytoplasmic receptor-associated JAKs. These subsequently phosphorylate tyrosine residues along the receptor chains with which they are associated. The phosphotyrosine residues are a target for a variety of SH2 domain-containing transducer proteins. Amongst these are the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins, which, after binding to the receptor chains, are phosphorylated by the JAK proteins. Phosphorylation enables the STAT proteins to dimerise and translocate into the nucleus, where they alter the expression of cytokine-regulated genes. This system is known as the JAK-STAT pathway.Four mammalian JAK family members have been identified: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. They are relatively large kinases of approximately 1150 amino acids, with molecular weights of ~120-130kDa. Their amino acid sequences are characterised by the presence of 7 highly conserved domains, termed JAK homology (JH) domains. The C-terminal domain (JH1) is responsible for the tyrosine kinase function. The next domain in the sequence (JH2) is known as the tyrosine kinase-like domain, as its sequence shows high similarity to functional kinases but does not possess any catalytic activity. Although the function of this domain is not well established, there is some evidence for a regulatory role on the JH1 domain, thus modulating catalytic activity. The N-terminal portion of the JAKs (spanning JH7 to JH3) is important for receptor association and non-catalytic activity, and consists of JH3-JH4, which is homologous to the SH2 domain, and lastly JH5-JH7, which is a FERM domain.This represents the non-receptor tyrosine kinase JAK1, which is involved in the IFN-alpha/beta/gamma signal pathway. Jak1 acts as the kinase partner for the interleukin (IL)-2 receptor []and interleukin (IL)-10 receptor []. It directly phosphorylates STAT but also activates STAT signalling through the transactivation of other JAK kinases associated with signalling receptors [, ].JAK1 was initially cloned using a PCR-based strategy utilising degenerateprimers corresponding to conserved motifs within the catalytic domain of protein-tyrosine kinases []. In common with JAK2 and TYK2, and by contrastwith JAK3, JAK1 appears to be ubiquitously expressed.
