PBK

PBK, better known as TOPK, is a MAPKK-like serine/threonine kinase restricted mainly to lymphoid tissues, testis, and proliferating cells. Unusually, PBK is itself activated by phosphorylation of its activation loop by CDK1/cyclin B during mitosis, tying its activity to cell division. Downstream, PBK stimulates the p38 MAPK pathway through MKK3 and MKK6 and phosphorylates multiple mitotic and DNA-damage regulators, contributing to cytokinesis, checkpoint signaling, and apoptosis. PBK is strongly upregulated in lymphomas, multiple myeloma and several solid tumors, and it is pursued as a therapeutic target. Recombinant PBK supports mitotic-signaling research and TOPK-inhibitor development.