The vaccinia-related kinase (VRK) proteins are a new group of Ser/Thr kinases in the human kinome. This mammalian kinase family comprises three members, VRK1, VRK2, and VRK3. The VRK1 has autophosphorylation activity and phosphorylates several transcription factors, including p53, ATF2, and c-Jun. VRK2 is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. VRK3 suppresses Erk activity through direct interaction and activation of the MAP kinase phosphatase VHR. Further functional and structural analysis of VRK proteins will elucidate important new aspects of cell regulation.
