Thousand and one amino acid protein kinase 3 (TAOK3) (TAOK3)

Thousand and one amino acid protein kinase 3 (TAOK3) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase belonging to the STE20 family and the MAP3K group. It plays a critical role in regulating the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which are essential for cellular responses to stress and inflammation (UniProt Q9H2K8). Beyond MAPK signaling, TAOK3 is a key regulator of B-cell development, specifically required for the transition of T1 B-cells to marginal zone B-cells (PubMed: 25130611). In oncology, TAOK3 has been implicated in the progression of several cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer, where it may influence cell migration and survival (PubMed: 31435021). It also modulates the Hippo signaling pathway by phosphorylating LATS1/2, thereby affecting YAP/TAZ activity and organ size control. Pharmacologically, TAOK3 is an emerging target for small molecule inhibitors aimed at treating cancer and potentially modulating immune responses or opioid sensitivity (PubMed: 24101681).

Other names

Serine/threonine-protein kinase TAO3JNK-inhibitory kinaseJIKMAPK/ERK kinase kinase kinase 18MAP3K18TAO kinase 3

Small molecule inhibition of the kinase domain to prevent phosphorylation of downstream substrates in the MAPK or Hippo pathways.