Serine/threonine-protein kinase ULK4
Domain
The protein kinase domain is predicted to be catalytically inactive.
Function
May be involved in the remodeling of cytoskeletal components, such as alpha-tubulin, and in this way regulates neurite branching and elongation, as well as cell motility.
Involvement in disease
Various anomalies in ULK4 gene have been reported for several cases of schizophrenia, schizophrenia plus bipolar disorder and autism. ULK4 gene has been proposed to be a rare susceptibility risk factor for a range of psychiatric diseases including schizophrenia.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Ser/Thr protein kinase family. APG1/unc-51/ULK1 subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in the brain, mainly in postmitotic neurons, including GABAergic neurons, but not in astrocytes (at protein level).
Alternative names
Serine/threonine-protein kinase ULK4, Unc-51-like kinase 4, ULK4