Casein kinase 2 alpha 3 (CSNK2A3)

Casein kinase 2 alpha 3 (CSNK2A3) encodes a protein highly similar to the catalytic alpha subunit of casein kinase II, a constitutively active serine/threonine kinase complex that phosphorylates a broad array of protein substrates[1][2][3][6]. CSNK2A3 is encoded by an intronless gene and has high sequence similarity to the canonical CSNK2A1 gene. There is conflicting evidence on whether CSNK2A3 is a bona fide protein-coding gene or a processed pseudogene[1][2][4][6]. Amplification or increased expression of CSNK2A3 has been implicated in promoting cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, including the downregulation of tumor suppressor pathways (such as PML) and participation in oncogenic and viral infection-related processes. In lung and hepatocellular carcinoma settings, its activity is associated with modulation of cell growth, cancer cell migration, and viral susceptibility[1][2][3][5]. Due to questions about its protein-coding status and lack of well-defined, druggable targeting, CSNK2A3 is not yet an established therapeutic drug target, and many databases categorize it primarily as a gene of unclear or debated function (potential pseudogene)[1][2][4][6]. **Key notes:** - CSNK2A3 is sometimes referred to as a "variant" or "pseudogene" of CSNK2A1, with the protein product and biological activity debated. - No approved drugs or known small molecules specifically target CSNK2A3, and no clinical biomarkers or unique safety concerns distinct from canonical CK2 alpha are established for this variant. - Careful differentiation from CSNK2A1 is necessary in any research or clinical context, as CSNK2A1 is the widely accepted canonical kinase subunit, whereas CSNK2A3 is often annotated as a variant or pseudogene[1][2][3][6].

Other names

Casein kinase II subunit alpha 3CSNK2A1PCK II alpha 3Casein kinase II alpha 1 polypeptide pseudogenecasein kinase 2, alpha 1 polypeptide pseudogenecasein kinase 2 alpha 3 polypeptideCSK23_HUMAN