CaMK4: Structure, physiological functions, and therapeutic potential

Hao Xu; Liang Yong; Xianxian Gao; Yandong Chen; Yixuan Wang; Fuyan Wang; Xin Hou

doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116204

CaMK4: Structure, physiological functions, and therapeutic potential

Biochem Pharmacol. 2024 Apr 12:224:116204. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116204. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Hao Xu¹, Liang Yong², Xianxian Gao¹, Yandong Chen¹, Yixuan Wang¹, Fuyan Wang³, Xin Hou⁴

Affiliations

¹ Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China.
² The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, PR China.
³ Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China; Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Hiser Hospital Affiliated of Qingdao University (Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Qingdao, Shandong 266033, PR China.
⁴ Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China. Electronic address: houxin@nbu.edu.cn.

PMID: 38615920
DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116204

Abstract

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMK4) is a versatile serine/threonine kinase involved in various cellular functions. It regulates T-cell differentiation, podocyte function, tumor cell proliferation/apoptosis, β cell mass, and insulin sensitivity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are complex and remain incompletely understood. The aims of this review are to highlight the latest advances in the regulatory mechanisms of CaMK4 underlying T-cell imbalance and parenchymal cell mass in multiple diseases. The structural motifs and activation of CaMK4, as well as the potential role of CaMK4 as a novel therapeutic target are also discussed.

Keywords: CaMK4; Disease pathogenesis; Immune balance; Signaling pathway; Structure.

Publication types

Review