Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase Beta 1 (RPS6Kb1)

RPS6KB1 encodes a member of the RSK (ribosomal s6 kinase) family of serine/threonine kinases. This kinase contains 2 non-identical kinase catalytic domains and phosphorylates several residues of the S6 ribosomal protein. The kinase activity of this protein leads to an increase in protein synthesis and cell proliferation. According to a May 2010 online news release by the Cincinnati Cancer Consortium with the Academic Health Center of the University of Cincinnati, inhibition of the S6K1 protein, or a lack of it, slows the production of adipose (fat) cells by disrupting and retarding the initial "commitment stage" of their formation. The study, led by cancer and cellular biologist and associate professor Dr. Sara Kozma, Ph.D., could have implications for the treatment of obesity.