DRAK1: Proteins and Enzymes

DRAK1 (DAP kinase-related apoptosis-inducing protein kinase 1; also STK17A) is a 55 kDa member of the DAP kinase subfamily, CAMK Ser/Thr protein kinase family of enzymes. It is expressed in osteoclasts, resides in the nucleus, and initiates apoptosis. Human DRAK1 is 414 amino acids (aa) in length. It contains an N-terminal polyPro segment (aa 33-37) followed by a Ser/Thr kinase domain (aa 64-321) with a catalytic loop (aa 184-193). Apoptosis apparently requires an intact kinase domain. No rodent DRAK1 has been reported. Over aa 115-313, human DRAK1 shares 95% aa identity with canine DRAK1, and 65% aa identity with human DRAK2.