CLK

CLK1, CLK2, CLK3 and CLK4 encode the CDC-like kinases, dual-specificity enzymes that autophosphorylate tyrosines in their activation segment before functioning as serine/threonine kinases. Their signature role is phosphorylation of the RS domains of SR splicing factors, which governs SR protein nuclear import, distribution in nuclear speckles and the choice of alternative splice sites. CLK1 lies in the Down syndrome critical region of chromosome 21 and has been implicated in splicing alterations associated with trisomy 21. A long arginine/serine-rich N-terminal region distinguishes CLK1 from the shorter CLK2 and CLK4 forms. Splicing-modulating CLK inhibitors such as TG003 and T-025 have been explored in cancer and antiviral research.