9t1z
JAK2-ruxolitinib complex with an unphosphorylated activation loop
Structural highlights
DiseaseJAK2_HUMAN Note=Chromosomal aberrations involving JAK2 are found in both chronic and acute forms of eosinophilic, lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia. Translocation t(8;9)(p22;p24) with PCM1 links the protein kinase domain of JAK2 to the major portion of PCM1. Translocation t(9;12)(p24;p13) with ETV6. Defects in JAK2 are a cause of susceptibility to Budd-Chiari syndrome (BDCHS) [MIM:600880. A syndrome caused by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow involving either the hepatic veins or the terminal segment of the inferior vena cava. Obstructions are generally caused by thrombosis and lead to hepatic congestion and ischemic necrosis. Clinical manifestations observed in the majority of patients include hepatomegaly, right upper quadrant pain and abdominal ascites. Budd-Chiari syndrome is associated with a combination of disease states including primary myeloproliferative syndromes and thrombophilia due to factor V Leiden, protein C deficiency and antithrombin III deficiency. Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare but typical complication in patients with polycythemia vera. Defects in JAK2 are a cause of polycythemia vera (PV) [MIM:263300. A myeloproliferative disorder characterized by abnormal proliferation of all hematopoietic bone marrow elements, erythroid hyperplasia, an absolute increase in total blood volume, but also by myeloid leukocytosis, thrombocytosis and splenomegaly.[1] [2] [3] [4] Defects in JAK2 gene may be the cause of thrombocythemia type 3 (THCYT3) [MIM:614521. A myeloproliferative disorder characterized by elevated platelet levels due to sustained proliferation of megakaryocytes, and frequently lead to thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications.[5] [6] Defects in JAK2 are a cause of myelofibrosis (MYELOF) [MIM:254450. Myelofibrosis is a disorder characterized by replacement of the bone marrow by fibrous tissue, occurring in association with a myeloproliferative disorder. Clinical manifestations may include anemia, pallor, splenomegaly, hypermetabolic state, petechiae, ecchymosis, bleeding, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, portal hypertension. Defects in JAK2 are a cause of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) [MIM:601626. AML is a malignant disease in which hematopoietic precursors are arrested in an early stage of development.[7] FunctionJAK2_HUMAN Non-receptor tyrosine kinase involved in various processes such as cell growth, development, differentiation or histone modifications. Mediates essential signaling events in both innate and adaptive immunity. In the cytoplasm, plays a pivotal role in signal transduction via its association with type I receptors such as growth hormone (GHR), prolactin (PRLR), leptin (LEPR), erythropoietin (EPOR), thrombopoietin (THPO); or type II receptors including IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma and multiple interleukins. Following ligand-binding to cell surface receptors, phosphorylates specific tyrosine residues on the cytoplasmic tails of the receptor, creating docking sites for STATs proteins. Subsequently, phosphorylates the STATs proteins once they are recruited to the receptor. Phosphorylated STATs then form homodimer or heterodimers and translocate to the nucleus to activate gene transcription. For example, cell stimulation with erythropoietin (EPO) during erythropoiesis leads to JAK2 autophosphorylation, activation, and its association with erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) that becomes phosphorylated in its cytoplasmic domain. Then, STAT5 (STAT5A or STAT5B) is recruited, phosphorylated and activated by JAK2. Once activated, dimerized STAT5 translocates into the nucleus and promotes the transcription of several essential genes involved in the modulation of erythropoiesis. In addition, JAK2 mediates angiotensin-2-induced ARHGEF1 phosphorylation. Plays a role in cell cycle by phosphorylating CDKN1B. Cooperates with TEC through reciprocal phosphorylation to mediate cytokine-driven activation of FOS transcription. In the nucleus, plays a key role in chromatin by specifically mediating phosphorylation of 'Tyr-41' of histone H3 (H3Y41ph), a specific tag that promotes exclusion of CBX5 (HP1 alpha) from chromatin.[8] [9] [10] [11] Publication Abstract from PubMedProtein kinases regulate essential cellular processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, and growth. Precise regulation of kinase activity is critical for proper signal transduction and is often mediated by activation-loop phosphorylation. Janus kinases (JAKs) employ a unique regulatory mechanism: they remain autoinhibited by their pseudokinase domains until cytokine stimulation triggers dimerization and trans-phosphorylation of two activation-loop tyrosines. Despite its relevance for JAK inhibitor design, the molecular mechanism of JAK activation by activation-loop phosphorylation is not fully understood. Here, we show that phosphorylation of the JAK2 activation loop is essential for stabilizing substrate binding and in the absence of phosphorylation, the activation loop fails to bind substrates. Our findings reveal a unique regulatory role for the activation loop in JAK2, where phosphorylation enhances loop stability rather than inducing a major conformational change as in most protein kinases. In addition, the flexibility of the unphosphorylated activation loop allows conformational changes required for trans-phosphorylation during JAK activation. These insights provide a mechanistic basis for JAK activation and offer new insights for the development of JAK inhibitors. Janus kinase 2 activation loop as a regulator of catalysis and trans-activation.,Miao Y, Mykuliak VV, Hubbard SR, Silvennoinen O, Hytonen V, Haikarainen T Int J Biol Macromol. 2026 Jul 6;374:153276. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153276. PMID:42409141[12] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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