Overview:

STK3, also known as MST2, encodes a protein of 491-amino acid which contains an N-terminal catalytic domain characteristic of STKs (1). STK3 and STK4 share 94% amino acid identity in the catalytic domain and 78% identity overall. RAF1 has been shown to counteract apoptosis by suppressing the activation of mammalian sterile 20-like kinase (MST2). STK3 is a kinase that is activated by the proapoptotic agents straurosporine and FAS ligand (2). STK3 activation presumably allows cells to resist unfavorable environmental conditions.

Gene Aliases:

KRS1; MST2; FLJ90748

Genbank Number:

BC010640

References:

1. Creasy, C L. et al: Cloning and characterization of a member of the MST subfamily of Ste20-like kinases. Gene 167: 303-306, 1995.

2. Lee, K K. et al: MST, a physiological caspase substrate, higly sensitizes apoptosis both upstream and downstream of caspase activation. J. Biol. Chem. 276: 19276-19285, 2001.