MAP4K3, RAB8IPL1, Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 3, Germinal center kinase-related protein kinase, MAPK/ERK kinase kinase kinase 3

MAP4K3 encodes a member of the Ste20 family of serine/threonine protein kinases. The protein belongs to the subfamily that consists of members, such as germinal center kinase (GCK), that are characterized by an N-terminal catalytic domain and C-terminal regulatory domain. The kinase activity of the encoded protein can be stimulated by UV radiation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The protein specifically activates the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Evidence suggests that it functions upstream of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1). This gene previously was referred to as RAB8-interacting protein-like 1 (RAB8IPL1), but it has been renamed mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP4K3).