Kinase is a type of enzyme that facilitates the transfer of phosphate groups from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules to specific target molecules, such as proteins and other enzymes. This process is known as phosphorylation. Kinases play a crucial role in regulating various cellular activities and signal transduction pathways within living organisms.
The phosphorylation of target molecules by kinases leads to changes in their structure or function, often activating or deactivating them. This modification process is fundamental in regulating cell growth, metabolism, proliferation, and differentiation. Kinases are involved in important physiological processes, including hormone signaling, immune response, cell cycle control, and apoptosis.
There are numerous types of kinases that can be classified into different families based on their substrates and functions. Some well-known kinase families include protein kinases, lipid kinases, and carbohydrate kinases. Protein kinases, for instance, function by phosphorylating proteins, thereby altering their activity or localization within the cell.
Kinases are essential components of many disease-related pathways, and abnormalities or dysregulation in kinase activity have been associated with numerous human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Consequently, kinases have become important therapeutic targets for drug development. There are several kinase inhibitors available in the market that specifically target aberrant kinase activity in certain diseases with the aim of restoring normal cellular function and inhibiting disease progression.
