AarF domain containing kinase 2 (ADCK2)

AarF domain containing kinase 2 (ADCK2) is a mitochondrial protein predicted to have serine/threonine kinase activity and is involved in the regulation of coenzyme Q (ubiquinone) biosynthesis and fatty acid β-oxidation. It is ubiquitously expressed and plays regulatory roles in mitochondrial metabolism and cell behavior—particularly influencing cancer cell proliferation, motility, and differentiation. In cancer, ADCK2 is important for the survival and growth of tumor cells, such as in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); its depletion leads to impaired mitochondrial function, increased apoptosis, and reduced tumor growth in models. In melanoma, high ADCK2 has been associated with a less aggressive phenotype and better patient outcomes. The gene is also implicated in rare mitochondrial and metabolic diseases—including myopathy and coenzyme Q10 deficiency disease—reflecting its key metabolic function. No current drugs directly target ADCK2, but it is considered a potential therapeutic target, especially in oncology and mitochondrial disorders.

Other names

AARFMGC20727uncharacterized aarF domain-containing protein kinase 2putative aarF domain-containing protein kinase 2putative ubiquinone biosynthesis protein AarF

Potential indirect inhibition or modulation may disrupt mitochondrial function, fatty acid metabolism, and promote cell apoptosis (shown in research using RNAi/CRISPR approaches in cancer models)