Rabbit anti-Human MELK Polyclonal Antibody

Uniprot Id

Q14680

Target Species

Human

Target Name

MELK

Target Full Name

Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase

Target Function

Serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in various processes such as cell cycle regulation, self-renewal of stem cells, apoptosis and splicing regulation. Has a broad substrate specificity; phosphorylates BCL2L14, CDC25B, MAP3K5/ASK1 and ZNF622. Acts as an activator of apoptosis by phosphorylating and activating MAP3K5/ASK1. Acts as a regulator of cell cycle, notably by mediating phosphorylation of CDC25B, promoting localization of CDC25B to the centrosome and the spindle poles during mitosis. Plays a key role in cell proliferation and carcinogenesis. Required for proliferation of embryonic and postnatal multipotent neural progenitors. Phosphorylates and inhibits BCL2L14, possibly leading to affect mammary carcinogenesis by mediating inhibition of the pro-apoptotic function of BCL2L14. Also involved in the inhibition of spliceosome assembly during mitosis by phosphorylating ZNF622, thereby contributing to its redirection to the nucleus. May also play a role in primitive hematopoiesis.

Target Involvement

Defects in MELK are associated with some cancers, such as brain or breast cancers. Expression is dramatically increased in aggressive undifferentiated tumors, correlating with poor patient outcome in breast and brain cancers, suggesting a role in tumor-initiating cells and proliferation via its function in cell proliferation regulation.

Target Subcellular Location

Cell membrane; Peripheral membrane protein.

Target Protein Families

Protein kinase superfamily, CAMK Ser/Thr protein kinase family, SNF1 subfamily

Target Tissue Specificity

Expressed in placenta, kidney, thymus, testis, ovary and intestine.

Target Research Area

Cell Biology

Target Synonyms

AI327312; hMELK; HPK 38; hPK38; KIAA0175; Likely ortholog of maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase; Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase; MELK; MELK_HUMAN; mKIAA0175; MPK38; OTTHUMP00000021377; OTTHUMP00000046113; pEg3 kinase; Protein kinase Eg3; Protein kinase PK38; RP23 382O11.1; Tyrosine protein kinase MELK

Target Background

Enables calcium ion binding activity; non-membrane spanning protein tyrosine kinase activity; and protein serine/threonine kinase activity. Involved in apoptotic process; cell population proliferation; and protein autophosphorylation. Located in cell cortex and plasma membrane.