Maize Atypical Receptor Kinase Interacting Kinase (ZmMIK)

Maize Atypical Receptor Kinase Interacting Kinase (ZmMIK) is a protein kinase found in Zea mays that plays a critical role in plant signaling and development. It was originally identified as a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase Kinase (MAP4K) belonging to the Germinal Center Kinase (GCK) subfamily, which interacts with the Maize Atypical Receptor Kinase (MARK). This interaction is unique because MARK is a kinase-dead receptor that stimulates the catalytic activity of ZmMIK upon binding, facilitating downstream signaling related to cytokinesis and embryo development. Additionally, the name ZmMIK is also used to refer to a Maize Myo-inositol Kinase encoded by the low-phytic acid 3 (lpa3) gene, which is essential for the biosynthesis of phytic acid in seeds. While ZmMIK is a significant target for agricultural biotechnology and crop improvement, it is not considered a human therapeutic target and has no known interactions with clinical drugs.

Other names

MARK Interacting KinaseZea mays MARK Interacting KinaseMIKMaize Myo-inositol Kinase