Overview:

MLK1 or Mixed-Lineage Kinase 1 is a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase capable of activating the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. The catalytic domain of MLK1 has amino acid sequence similarity to both the tyr-specific and the ser/thr-specific kinase classes. In addition, MLK1 contain 2 leu/ile-zipper motifs and a basic sequence near its C-termini (1). MLK1 is threonine (and possibly serine) phosphorylated at multiple sites in the activation loop, with phosphorylation of Thr312 required for full activation (2).

Gene Aliases:

MAP3K9, MEKK9; PRKE1

Genbank Number:

NM_033141

References:

1. Dorow, D S. et al: Identification of a new family of human epithelial protein kinases containing two leucine/isoleucine-zipper domains. Europ. J. Biochem. 213: 701-710, 1993.

2. Durkin, J T. et al: Phosphoregulation of mixed-lineage kinase 1 activity by multiple phosphorylation in the activation loop. Biochemistry. 2004 Dec 28;43(51):16348-55.