Overview:

TESK2 or testis-specific kinase 2 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that contains an N-terminal protein kinase domain and belongs to the TESK subgroup of the LIMK/TESK family of protein kinases. The kinase domain of TESK2 is structurally similar to the kinase domain of testis-specific protein kinase-1 and the LIM motif-containing protein kinases (LIMKs). TESK2 is predominantly expressed in testis and prostate and plays an important role in spermatogenesis (1). TESK2 phosphorylates cofilin specifically at Ser-3 and induces formation of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions (2).

Gene Aliases:

(none)

Genbank Number:

NM_007170

References:

1. Rosok, O. et.al: Identification and characterization of TESK2, a novel member of the LIMK/TESK family of protein kinases, predominantly expressed in testis. Genomics 61: 44-54, 1999.

2. Toshima, J. et al: Cofilin phosphorylation and actin reorganization activities of testicular protein kinase 2 and its predominant expression in testicular Sertoli cells. J Biol Chem. 2001 Aug 17;276(33):31449-58.