Janus kinase

Every Janus kinase contains two tandem kinase-like modules: the active C-terminal kinase domain (JH1) and the N-terminal pseudokinase domain (JH2) that gives this family its place in pseudokinase catalogs. JH2 lacks residues for full catalytic activity but is far from inert; it folds as a genuine pseudokinase, binds ATP, and allosterically restrains JH1. The JAK2 JH2 V617F mutation disables this brake, causing constitutive JAK-STAT signaling and myeloproliferative neoplasms such as polycythemia vera. Recombinant JH2 domains and full-length JAKs are used to dissect autoinhibition, screen allosteric modulators, and support cytokine-receptor signaling research.