RIO Kinase

RIO kinase (RIOK) are a class of highly conserved atypical serine/threonine kinases, mainly including RIOK1, RIOK2, and RIOK3. RIOK possess both kinase and ATPase characteristics, and their core functions primarily involve the maturation of the pre-40S ribosomal small subunit, 18S rRNA processing, and ribosome biogenesis, thereby maintaining protein translation capacity and cell proliferation. RIOK are not only ribosome assembly factors but also crucial nodes connecting the translation system and oncogenic signaling. RIOK1/2 can enhance ribosome production, protein translation, and AKT/mTOR signaling output, promoting cell proliferation, EMT, and tumor progression; RIOK3 participates in the TBK1-IRF3-IFN and NF-κB pathways, regulating innate immune and inflammatory responses. Due to the high dependence of cancer cells on ribosome production and translation capacity, RIOK have become an emerging anticancer target.