Unc-51 Like Kinase 1 (ULK1)

The C. elegans unc51 gene encodes a serine/threonine kinase expressed almost exclusively in neurons. Mutations in unc51 result in abnormal axonal extension and growth, leading to a paralyzed, egg laying-defective, and dumpy phenotype. Unc51.1 inhibited SynGAP through its kinase activity.

Using the rat fragment as a probe for screening human fetal brain and neuroblastoma NT-2 cDNA libraries, the authors cloned UNC51-like kinase-1 (ULK1) cDNAs. The predicted 1,050-amino acid human protein shares 29% sequence identity with nematode unc51. Northern blot analysis revealed that ULK1 was expressed as a 6-kb mRNA in all human adult tissues examined, with the highest levels in skeletal muscle and heart.