Novel germinal kinase proteins, compositions and methods of use

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell proliferation, survival, morphology, and migration. Nucleic acids encoding proteins, and proteins so encoded which are capable of modulating proliferation, survival, morphology, and migration in mammalian cells are provided. Compositions and methods for the treatment of disorders related to cell proliferation, survival, morphology and migration are also provided. Prophylactics and methods for the prevention of such disorders are also provided. Also provided are compositions are methods for diagnostic and prognostic determination of such disorders. Further provided are assays for the identification of bioactive agents capable of modulating proliferation, survival, morphology, and migration in mammalian cells.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . A method of identifying a modulator of phosphorylation by a misshapen/NIKs-related kinase 3 (MINK3) protein, wherein the MINK3 protein has at least 98% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, and 5, the method comprising the steps of 
 contacting a MINK3 phosphorylation substrate with the MINK3 protein and a candidate bioactive agent,    determining the effect of the candidate bioactive agent on phosphorylation of the substrate by the MINK3 protein as compared to a control without the candidate bioactive agent, thereby identifying the modulator of phosphorylation by the MINK3 protein.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the MINK3 phosphorylation substrate is an 9extracellular signal response kinase (ERK) protein.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the MINK3 phosphorylation substrate is a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) protein.