Thousand and one amino acid protein kinase 2 (TAOK2) (TAOK2)

Thousand and one amino acid protein kinase 2 (TAOK2) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that acts as a key regulator of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway [1, 2]. It belongs to the STE20 family and plays a vital role in the structural development of the nervous system, specifically regulating microtubule stability, dendrite morphogenesis, and synaptic maturation [3, 4]. The TAOK2 gene is located in the 16p11.2 chromosomal region, and its deletion or mutation is strongly linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia [3, 5]. In addition to its neurobiological functions, TAOK2 is involved in the cellular response to stress and the induction of apoptosis [1]. From a therapeutic perspective, TAOK2 is considered a potential target for addressing cognitive deficits associated with 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome [3]. While there are currently no FDA-approved drugs targeting TAOK2, research into small-molecule inhibitors is ongoing to explore its potential in modulating synaptic connectivity [4, 5]. However, therapeutic development faces challenges such as achieving high selectivity within the kinase family and avoiding adverse effects on normal brain plasticity [1, 3].

Other names

TAO2MAP3K17Prostate-derived sterile 20-like kinase 1PSK1Serine/threonine-protein kinase TAO2

ATP-competitive inhibition of the kinase domain to modulate downstream MAPK signaling and microtubule dynamics.