Overview:

PKN3 or PRK3 is a serine/threonine protein kinase which can associate with RHOA in a GTP-dependent manner. PKN3 can also interact with GRAF and GRAF2 via the SH3 domains and phosphorylate these proteins. PKN3 is a mediator of malignant growth of human prostate cancer cells and functions downstream of activated PI3K. PKN3 is upregulated in human tumor cells but not in surrounding nontumorigenic tissues. Inducible knockdown of PKN3 expression inhibited metastasis in a mouse prostate tumor model.

Gene Aliases:

RP11-545E17.1

Genbank Number:

NM_013355

References:

1. Shibata, H. et al: PKN-beta interacts with the SH3 domains of Graf and a novel Graf related protein, Graf2, which are GTPase activating proteins for Rho family. J. Biochem. 130: 23-31, 2001.2. Leenders, F. et al: PKN3 is required for malignant prostate cell growth downstream of activated PI 3-kinase. EMBO J. 23: 3303-3313, 2004.