DAPK1

Function

Death-associated protein kinase 1 is a positive mediator of gamma-interferon induced programmed cell death. DAPK1 encodes a structurally unique 160-kD calmodulin dependent serine-threonine kinase that carries 8 ankyrin repeats and 2 putative P-loop consensus sites. It is a tumor suppressor candidate.

In melanocytic cells DAPK1 gene expression may be regulated by MITF.

As a drug target

Depletion of DAPK1 results in inhibition of tumor cell count and volume growth in cellular and animal models of triple receptor-negative breast cancer, from individuals with p53-mutant cancers. This has not been demonstrated in actual patients.