Overview:

DCAMKL1 or doublecortin-like kinase 1 contains two N-terminal doublecortin domains (which bind microtubules and regulate microtubule polymerization), a C-terminal serine/threonine protein kinase domain (which shows substantial homology to Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase), and a serine/proline-rich domain in between the doublecortin and the protein kinase domains (which mediates multiple protein-protein interactions) (1). DCAMKL1 is a microtubule-associated kinase that can undergo autophosphorylation. DCAMKL1 has microtubule-polymerizing activity that is independent of its protein kinase activity (2). DCAMKL1 is involved in several different cellular processes, including neuronal migration, retrograde transport, neuronal apoptosis and neurogenesis.

References:

1. Ohmae, S. et.al: Molecular identification and characterization of a family of kinases with homology to Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases I/IV. J. Biol. Chem. 281: 20427-20439, 2006

2. Lin, P. T. et,al: DCAMKL1 encodes a protein kinase with homology to doublecortin that regulates microtubule polymerization. J. Neurosci. 20: 9152-9161, 2000.