HIPK2

HIPK2 is the best-characterized homeodomain-interacting protein kinase and a nuclear regulator of cell-fate decisions. Its defining activity is phosphorylation of p53 at Tyr90, a modification that promotes apoptotic gene induction after genotoxic stress. HIPK2 also binds homeodomain transcription factors through its interaction domain, recruits and phosphorylates the CtBP corepressor to relieve repression, and participates in Wnt-β-catenin and TGF-β signaling, with documented roles in eye and neural development. Its abundance is controlled by SUMOylation, ubiquitination, and proteasomal degradation. Because it links DNA damage to apoptosis, HIPK2 is a recurring topic in chemosensitization studies. Recombinant HIPK2 supports these and inhibitor-discovery applications.