Human STK3 (MST-2) knockout HeLa cell lysate

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

STK3 also known as MST-2 is a serine/threonine protein kinase with a molecular mass of around 60 kDa. It plays an integral role in cell signaling by phosphorylating and activating downstream targets. MST-2 localizes mainly in the cytoplasm and is expressed broadly across various tissues with notable activity in liver kidney and heart tissues. This kinase contributes to the regulation of cell shape and apoptosis reinforcing its importance in cellular homeostasis.

Biological function summary

STK3/MST-2 is a core component of the Hippo signaling pathway which controls organ size by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. MST-2 often interacts with other proteins and participates in functional complexes notably with MOB1 and LATS1/2. These interactions are essential for transmitting growth inhibitory signals. Through its kinase activity MST-2 phosphorylates and activates these molecules initiating a cascade that ultimately influences gene expression impacting cell cycle and cell death processes.

Pathways

MST-2 plays a pivotal role not only in the Hippo pathway but also in the MAPK signaling network. In the Hippo pathway MST-2 phosphorylates components like LATS1/2 subsequently affecting the translocation and activity of YAP/TAZ transcription factors which control cell proliferation and survival. In the MAPK pathway MST-2 can interact with other kinases such as ASK1 to influence stress response signaling. These interactions demonstrate how MST-2 integrates signals between pathways to mediate critical decisions in cell life and death.

Associated diseases and disorders

MST-2 has implications in cancer and cardiac diseases. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway involving MST-2 is frequently observed in various cancers where impaired MST-2 function contributes to unchecked cell growth and tumor progression. Moreover MST-2 connects with other proteins like YAP often overactive in cancers emphasizing its role in controlling cell division. In cardiac context alterations in MST-2 activity relate to cardiac hypertrophy as proper functioning of the kinase is necessary to maintain cardiac tissue architecture and response to stress.