Biopolymers and cell. 2009; 25 (3): 169 - 180
Protein kinase ASK1 as potential therapeutic target
G. P. Volynets, V. G. Bdzhola, O. P. Kukharenko, O. V. Sovetova, S. M. Yarmoluk
Institute of molecular biology and genetics NAS of Ukraine 150, Zabolotnogo Str, Kyiv Ukraine, 03680
Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is serine/threonine kinase of kinase 5 that activates MAP-kinase (MAPKKK5). ASK1 induces apoptosis via the JNK and p38 signaling pathways. This review is focused on three main characteristics of ASK1: the structure , the regulatory mechanisms of kinase activity and the physiological role. ASK1 is required for apoptosis induced by oxidative stress, TNF-a, Fas and endoplasmic reticulum. It also regulates differentiation and death of neurons. ASK1 has been shown to be required for the innate immune response. This kinase is a critical signaling molecule for cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling. ASK1 also accelerates endothelial cell senescence in diabetic patients. Inhibition of the ASK1-p38 pathway could be useful for preventing vascular ageing and treatment of neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases.
Keywords: ASK1, apoptosis, differentiation, immune response, cardiac hypertrophy.