Pre-mRNA processing factor 4 kinase (PRP4K)

Pre-mRNA processing factor 4 kinase (PRP4K) is a highly conserved, essential serine/threonine kinase involved in the phosphorylation of core spliceosomal proteins to facilitate formation and activation of the spliceosome B complex during pre-mRNA splicing[1][2][3][5]. Beyond splicing, PRP4K coordinates additional cell functions including regulation of transcription (through chromatin remodeling complexes), control of the spindle assembly checkpoint and cell division, and negative regulation of oncogenic YAP signaling. PRP4K acts as a tumor suppressor; its reduction or haploinsufficiency confers cancer cell resistance to taxane chemotherapy and promotes more aggressive disease, particularly in breast and ovarian cancer, making it a potential biomarker for drug response and prognosis[1]. PRP4K’s broad cellular roles, including links to neurodegeneration and sensitivity to mitotic stress, highlight its central role in genome maintenance and cell fate regulation[1][3].

Other names

PRPF4BPRP4Serine/threonine-protein kinase PRP4 homologpre-mRNA processing factor 4BPR4H

Not applicable (no direct drug targeting described); as a kinase, mechanistic rationale for inhibition would be to block phosphorylation of splicing and checkpoint proteins to affect mitosis or splicing in cancer cells[1][3]