Overview:

SLK or LOSK is a Ste20-like protein kinase that associates with microtubule and centrosome. Inhibition of SLK activity by dominant-negative mutant or RNAi leads to unfocused microtubule arrangement indicating that SLK is needed for microtubule organization and for the proper localization of Golgi complex (1). Expression of v-Src can down-regulate SLK activity through the involvement of CK2 which can directly phosphorylate and inhibit SLK activity whereas inhibition of CK2 in v-Src-transformed cells results in normal SLK activity (2). CK2 and SLK can be co-localized in fibroblasts spreading on fibronectin-coated substrates.

Gene Aliases:

LOSK, STK2, se20-9, KIAA0204, MGC133067, bA16H23.1

Genbank Number:

AB002804

References:

1. Burakov A V, et al: LOSK (SLK) protein kinase activity is necessary for microtubule organization in the interphase cell centrosome. Dokl Biol Sci. 2005;403:317-9

2. Chaar Z, et al: v-Src-dependent down-regulation of the Ste20-like kinase SLK by casein kinase II. J Biol Chem. 2006 Sep 22;281(38):28193-9.