PKN2/PRK2

PKN2 (PRK2, PKNbeta) is the most widely expressed member of the protein kinase N family. Like its paralogs it couples an N-terminal Rho-binding HR1 regulatory region to an AGC-type kinase domain and is activated by Rac and Rho GTPases. PKN2 controls cell-cycle progression and cytokinesis, neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth, exocytosis and survival signaling through substrates in the actin and intermediate-filament networks. It localizes dynamically between cytosol, membranes and the nucleus during mitosis. PKN2 has been implicated in neuronal development disorders and tumor cell motility. Recombinant PKN2 serves studies of Rac-dependent cytoskeletal regulation and AGC kinase activation mechanisms.