Sandbox 465: Difference between revisions

<Structure load='2wtk' size='350' frame='true' align='right' caption=' Serine/Threonine Kinase 11 complexed with STRAD and MO25' scene='Insert optional scene name here' />

The function of the STK11 gene is to suppress tumors. A mutation in this protein increases the risk of cancer and carcinomas (cancer arising from the epithelial tissue of internal organs primarily in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract). This is due to improper DNA repair mechanisms and resistance to apoptosis which are both associated to an accumulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) <ref name="PJ"> PMID: 9425897</ref>, particularly p21WAF1 <ref name="loss" />. Therefore a mutation in SKT11 leads to CDKN1A malfunction. CDKN1A regulates cell development during the G1 and S phase of interphase and activates cyclin-dependent kinase2 to regulate apoptosis <ref> PMID: 25329316 </ref>. In addition to cancer, a germline mutation of STK11 also increases the chances of Peutz-Jeghers (PJ) syndrome, an autosomal genetic dominant mutation caused by a disruption of the kinase domain function. PJ syndrome is characterized by the growth of hamartomatous polyps in the GI tract, neoplasm, and discoloration of the skin and mouth <ref name="PJ" />.