The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the MAP kinase family. MAP kinases act as an integration point for multiple biochemical signals, and are involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, transcription regulation and development. This kinase targets specific transcription factors, and thus mediates immediate-early gene expression in response to various cell stimuli. It is most closely related to MAPK8, both of which are involved in UV radiation induced apoptosis, thought to be related to the cytochrome c-mediated cell death pathway. This gene and MAPK8 are also known as c-Jun N-terminal kinases. This kinase blocks the ubiquitination of tumor suppressor p53, and thus it increases the stability of p53 in nonstressed cells. Studies of this genes mouse counterpart suggest a key role in T-cell differentiation. Four alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been reported. N-terminal His-tagged, full-length human JNK2a2/SAPK1a expressed in Sf21 cells. JNK2a2 Kinase Assay: JNK2a2 activity was measured using GST-ATF2 as substrate in the kinase assay. Specific Activity: 80u/mg Unit Definition: One unit of JNK2a2 activity is equal to 1nmol phosphate incorporated into GST-ATF2 per minute. Molecular Weight: ~51kD MS Tryptic Fingerprint: Confirmed as JNK2alpha2/SAPK1a with sequence coverage from 11 peptides, aa117-424. Storage and Stability: Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing and store at -70C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.
