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LTK

Function

Receptor with a tyrosine-protein kinase activity. The exact function of this protein is not known. Studies with chimeric proteins (replacing its extracellular region with that of several known growth factor receptors, such as EGFR and CSFIR) demonstrate its ability to promote growth and specifically neurite outgrowth, and cell survival. Signaling appears to involve the PI3 kinase pathway. Involved in regulation of the secretory pathway involving endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export sites (ERESs) and ER to Golgi transport.

Involvement in disease

Genetic variations in LTK that cause up-regulation of the PI3K pathway may possibly contribute to susceptibility to abnormal proliferation of self-reactive B-cells and, therefore, to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is a chronic, inflammatory and often febrile multisystemic disorder of connective tissue, thought to represent a failure of the regulatory mechanisms of the autoimmune system.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family. Insulin receptor subfamily.

Tissue specificity

Expressed in non-hematopoietic cell lines and T- and B-cell lines.

Cellular localization

  • Membrane
  • Single-pass type I membrane protein

Alternative names

  • Leukocyte tyrosine kinase receptor
  • Protein tyrosine kinase 1
  • TYK1
  • LTK

Target type

Proteins

Molecular weight

91681Da