Overview:

MUSK is a receptor tyrosine kinase necessary for neuromuscular junction formation (1). MUSK gene expression is highly regulated during neuromuscular junction and it is involved in intercellular communication present on the surface of cells that are activated by specific protein ligands. MUSK members play a key role in growth and differentiation of those cell types. Agrin signals through MUSK to cluster acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. DOK7, a MUSK-interacting cytoplasmic protein, is essential for MUSK activation in cultured myotubes. MUSK also plays a critical role in the development of normal blood vessels (2).

Gene Aliases:

MGC126323, MGC126324

Genbank Number:

NM_005592

References:

1. Okada, K. et al: The muscle protein Dok-7 is essential for neuromuscular synaptogenesis. Science,. 2006; 312(5781):1802-5

2. Kim, C.H. et al: Regulation of MuSK expression by a novel signaling pathway.J Biol Chem. 2003;278(40):38522-7.