MAP Kinase Interacting Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (MKNK1)

MKNK1 encodes a predicted 424-amino acid protein containing a sequence typical of the catalytic domain of serine/threonine kinases and a putative N-terminal nuclear localization signal sequence. MKNK1 shares homology with MAPKAPK2, MAPKAPK3, and p90(RSK). Using a 2-hybrid screen for Erk2 (MAPK1)-binding proteins, Waskiewicz et al. (1997) identified mouse Mnk1 and isolated a full-length cDNA clone from a mouse embryo library.

MNK1 interacts with the eIF4F complex via its interaction with the C-terminal region of eIF4G, not through a direct interaction with eIF4E. An eIF4E mutant lacking eIF4G-binding capability was poorly phosphorylated in cells. MKNK1 was activated following stimulation of HeLa cells with a variety of extracellular stimuli.