Kinase

Kinase is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from high-energy, phosphate-donating molecules to specific substrates. This process, known as phosphorylation, is a key part of many cellular processes.

Function

Kinases play a crucial role in a variety of cellular processes, including cell division, protein regulation, and signal transduction. They are involved in the regulation of many types of cellular functions, including cell growth, cell differentiation, cell cycle control, and cell migration.

Classification

Kinases can be classified into two broad categories: protein kinases and lipid kinases. Protein kinases are responsible for the phosphorylation of proteins, while lipid kinases phosphorylate lipids.

Protein Kinases

Protein kinases are a group of enzymes that modify other proteins by chemically adding phosphate groups to them. There are several types of protein kinases, including tyrosine kinases, serine/threonine kinases, and dual-specificity kinases.

Lipid Kinases

Lipid kinases are a group of enzymes that phosphorylate lipids, which are a type of fat molecule. These kinases play a crucial role in cell signaling and other cellular processes.

Role in Disease

Abnormal kinase activity can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, mutations in the BRAF gene, which codes for a protein kinase, are associated with several types of cancer.

See Also

• Phosphatase
• Signal transduction
• Protein phosphorylation

References

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