Catalytic domain of Mammalian Ste20-like protein kinase 3-like Serine/Threonine Kinases
STKs catalyze the transfer of the gamma-phosphoryl group from ATP to serine/threonine residues on protein substrates. This subfamily is composed of MST3, MST4, STK25, Schizosaccharomyces pombe Nak1 and Sid1, Saccharomyces cerevisiae sporulation-specific protein 1 (SPS1), and related proteins. Nak1 is required by fission yeast for polarizing the tips of actin cytoskeleton and is involved in cell growth, cell separation, cell morphology and cell-cycle progression. Sid1 is a component in the septation initiation network (SIN) signaling pathway, and plays a role in cytokinesis. SPS1 plays a role in regulating proteins required for spore wall formation. MST4 plays a role in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling during cytoskeletal rearrangement, morphogenesis, and apoptosis. MST3 phosphorylates the STK NDR and may play a role in cell cycle progression and cell morphology. STK25 may play a role in the regulation of cell migration and polarization. The MST3-like subfamily is part of a larger superfamily that includes the catalytic domains of other STKs, protein tyrosine kinases, RIO kinases, aminoglycoside phosphotransferase, choline kinase, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase.