Tyrosine kinase
Tyrosine kinase
Tyrosine kinase (pronounced: tie-row-seen kai-nase) is a type of enzyme that can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a protein in a cell. It functions as an "on" or "off" switch in many cellular functions. Tyrosine kinases are a subclass of protein kinase.
Etymology
The term "Tyrosine kinase" is derived from its function and the substrate it acts upon. "Tyrosine" is an amino acid that is used by the enzyme as a substrate, and "kinase" is derived from the word "kinetic," indicating movement or transfer, referring to the enzyme's ability to transfer a phosphate group.
Function
Tyrosine kinases play significant roles in the control of many cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, mitosis, and cell death. They can become mutated and dysregulated in many types of cancer.
Types
There are two types of tyrosine kinases: Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs), which are associated with cell membranes, and Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (NRTKs), which are soluble, cytoplasmic proteins.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) are high-affinity cell surface receptors for many polypeptide growth factors, cytokines, and hormones.
Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (NRTKs) are soluble, cytoplasmic enzymes that are responsible for the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue on a protein.
Related Terms
- Phosphorylation: The process of adding a phosphate group to a protein or other organic molecule.
- Signal transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events.
- Oncogene: A gene that has the potential to cause cancer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tyrosine kinase
- Wikipedia's article - Tyrosine kinase
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