A revised nomenclature for the lemur family of protein kinases

Abstract

The lemur family of protein kinases has gained much interest in recent years as they are involved in a variety of cellular processes including regulation of axonal transport and endosomal trafficking, modulation of synaptic functions, memory and learning, and they are centrally placed in several intracellular signalling pathways. Numerous studies have also implicated role of the lemur kinases in the development and progression of a wide range of cancers, cystic fibrosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, parallel discoveries and inaccurate prediction of their kinase activity have resulted in a confusing and misleading nomenclature of these proteins. Herein, a group of international scientists with expertise in lemur family of protein kinases set forth a novel nomenclature to rectify this problem and ultimately help the scientific community by providing consistent information about these molecules.

Fig. 1. Molecular and cellular functions, and diseases associated with lemur tail kinases (LMTKs).

LMTK1-a, LMTK1-b, LMTK2 and LMTK3 are involved in a wide range of cellular processes including gene expression regulation, protein phosphorylation cascades, intracellular transport, neuronal outgrowth, synaptic activity, and cell motility. LMTKs are also strongly implicated in the development and progression of a wide range of cancers, neurodegenerative and neurological diseases, and cystic fibrosis. ALS/FTD, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia; miRNA, microRNA.