Apoptosis is mediated by death domain containing adapter molecules and a caspase family of proteases. Certain serine/threonine protein kinases, such as ASK-1 and RIP, are mediators of apoptosis. Two novel serine/threonine kinases that induce apoptosis were recently identified and designated DRAK1 and DRAK2 (for DAP kinase-related apoptosis-inducing protein kinases. DRAKs contain an N-terminal kinase domain and a C-terminal regulation domain. Overexpression of DRAK2 induces apoptosis. DRAKs have high sequence homology to DAP and ZIP kinases, and they represent a novel family of serine/threonine kinases, which mediates apoptosis through their catalytic activities. DRAK2 is located in nucleus and the messenger RNA was ubiquitously expressed in human tissues.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.