CSNK2A1/CK2a1

CSNK2A1 encodes CK2α, the principal catalytic subunit of casein kinase 2, which functions as a constitutively active α2β2 holoenzyme together with the regulatory β subunit. Unlike most CMGC kinases, CK2 needs no cyclin or second messenger and shows a strong preference for acidic substrates in which serine or threonine is followed by acidic residues. It phosphorylates hundreds of nuclear, cytoplasmic, and membrane proteins, tuning Wnt, PI3K-AKT, NF-κB, p53, and circadian circuits, and it supports cell survival. CK2α is frequently overexpressed in tumors, making it an established oncology target exemplified by ATP-competitive inhibitors such as silmitasertib. The recombinant subunit enables substrate discovery and inhibitor profiling.