Overview:

ALK or anaplastic lymphoma kinase is a receptor tyrosine kinase that was originally identified as a member of the insulin receptor subfamily that acquires transforming capability when truncated and fused to NPM (nucleophosmin) in the t(2;5) chromosomal rearrangement associated with ALCL Many chromosomal rearrangements leading to enhanced ALK activity have been described and are implicated in a number of cancer types (1). In the nervous system, ALK in the presence of ligand appears essential for axonal guidance, whereas in the absence of ligand, ALK expression can lead to developmental neuronal apoptosis (2).

Gene Aliases:

ALK (Ki-1), CD246, NBLST3, TFG/ALK

Genbank Number:

NM_004304

References:

1. Palmer R H, et al: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase: signalling in development and disease. Biochem J. 2009 May 27;420(3):345-61.

2. Allouche M: ALK is a novel dependence receptor: potential implications in development and cancer. Cell Cycle. 2007 Jul 1;6(13):1533-8.