The protein encoded by this gene is a member of serine/threonine protein kinase family. This kinase contains a dual leucine-zipper motif, and has been shown to form dimers/oligomers through its leucine-zipper motif. This kinase can phosphorylate and activate MAPK8/JNK, MAP2K7/MKK7, which suggests a role in the JNK signaling pathway. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],catalytic activity:ATP + a protein = ADP + a phosphoprotein.,cofactor:Magnesium.,enzyme regulation:Activated by autophosphorylation and homodimerization.,function:Activates the JUN N-terminal pathway through activation of the MAP kinase kinase MAP2K7. Acts synergistically with PRDX3 to regulate the activation of NF-kappa-B in the cytosol. This activation is kinase-dependent and involves activating the IKK complex, the IKBKB-containing complex that phosphorylates inhibitors of NF-kappa-B.,PTM:Autophosphorylated on serine and threonine residues.,sequence caution:Translated as Tyr.,sequence caution:Wrong choice of CDS.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. STE Ser/Thr protein kinase family. MAP kinase kinase kinase subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 protein kinase domain.,subunit:Homodimer, forms dimers through the leucine-zipper motif. Interacts with the C-terminus of MAPK8IP1 through the kinase catalytic domain. Binds PRDX3. Associates with the IKK complex through the kinase domain.,tissue specificity:Expressed in the adult brain, liver, placenta and pancreas, with expression strongest in the pancreas.,
