Protein kinase N2 (PKN2)

Protein kinase N2 (PKN2) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase and a member of the protein kinase N (PKN) family, encoded by the PKN2 gene. It acts as a downstream effector for Rho/Rac GTPases, regulating processes such as cell cycle progression, actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion, migration, and transcriptional activation. PKN2 is essential for proper cell division and differentiation, participates in signaling pathways controlling apoptosis and cell motility, and plays a pivotal role in glucose and lipid metabolism, particularly by modulating insulin responsiveness in skeletal muscle. It has been implicated in cancer cell invasion and migration, certain developmental syndromes, and viral infections such as hepatitis C virus, and is considered a relevant therapeutic target for diverse biological and pathological processes.

Other names

PRK2PRKCL2PKN gammaProtein kinase C-like 2Protein-kinase C-related kinase 2Protease-activated kinase 2STK7Cardiolipin-activated protein kinase Pak2PRO2042

Most small-molecule inhibitors act as ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors, inhibiting the kinase activity of PKN2, thereby modulating downstream cell signaling. Inhibitors of PKN2 affect processes such as tumor invasion and cell migration via interference with phosphorylation events.