Lck — Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck

Lck — Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck

Introduction

Lck — Proto Oncogene Tyrosine Protein Kinase Lck is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.

Overview

Lck (Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck) is a member of the Src family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (SFKs). It is primarily expressed in T-lymphocytes where it is essential for T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling and T-cell development. In the nervous system, Lck is expressed in certain neuronal populations and may be involved in neuroimmune interactions. [@src]

--- [@kinase]
title: Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck (Lck) [@synaptic]

--- [@clinical]

<div class="infobox infobox-protein">

| | |
|---|---|
| Protein Name | Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck |
| Gene | [LCK](/proteins/lck-protein) |
| UniProt ID | [P06239](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P06239) |
| Molecular Weight | 57 kDa |
| Subcellular Localization | Plasma membrane, Cytoplasm |
| Protein Family | Src family non-receptor tyrosine kinases |

</div>

Structure

The Lck protein is a member of the Src family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (SFKs). The structure consists of:

• N-terminal myristoylation site for membrane anchoring
• Unique domain (specific to each SFK member)
• SH3 domain (proline-rich motif binding)
• SH2 domain (phosphotyrosine binding)
• Catalytic tyrosine kinase domain
• C-terminal regulatory tyrosine

Normal Function

Lck — Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck

Introduction

Lck — Proto Oncogene Tyrosine Protein Kinase Lck is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.

Overview

Lck (Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck) is a member of the Src family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (SFKs). It is primarily expressed in T-lymphocytes where it is essential for T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling and T-cell development. In the nervous system, Lck is expressed in certain neuronal populations and may be involved in neuroimmune interactions. [@src]

--- [@kinase]
title: Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck (Lck) [@synaptic]

--- [@clinical]

<div class="infobox infobox-protein">

| | |
|---|---|
| Protein Name | Proto-Oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Lck |
| Gene | [LCK](/proteins/lck-protein) |
| UniProt ID | [P06239](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P06239) |
| Molecular Weight | 57 kDa |
| Subcellular Localization | Plasma membrane, Cytoplasm |
| Protein Family | Src family non-receptor tyrosine kinases |

</div>

Structure

The Lck protein is a member of the Src family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (SFKs). The structure consists of:

• N-terminal myristoylation site for membrane anchoring
• Unique domain (specific to each SFK member)
• SH3 domain (proline-rich motif binding)
• SH2 domain (phosphotyrosine binding)
• Catalytic tyrosine kinase domain
• C-terminal regulatory tyrosine

Normal Function

Lck is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates multiple signaling pathways:

• Receptor signaling: Activated by growth factor receptors, integrin receptors, and immune receptors
• Synaptic function: Phosphorylates [NMDA](/entities/nmda-receptor) receptor subunits, PSD-95, and other synaptic proteins
• Cellular processes: Regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, and cytoskeletal organization

Role in Disease

Dysregulated Lck activity contributes to:

• Alzheimer's Disease: Altered phosphorylation of [tau](/proteins/tau) and [amyloid precursor protein](/entities/app-protein) processing
• Parkinson's Disease: Involved in dopaminergic neuron signaling and survival
• Cancer: Constitutively active in various cancers

Therapeutic Targeting

Lck-targeted therapies include:

• Multi-kinase inhibitors: Dasatinib, bosutinib, saracatinib
• Selective inhibitors: Lck-specific compounds in development
• Combination approaches: With amyloid or [tau](/proteins/tau)-targeted therapies for AD

Key Publications

See Also

• [PTK2B/PYK2](/proteins/ptk2b-protein)
• [NMDA Receptor Signaling](/mechanisms/synaptic-dysfunction-pathway)
• [LCK Gene](/proteins/lck-protein)
• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)

External Links

• [UniProt: P06239](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P06239)
• [PDB: Lck structure](https://www.rcsb.org/)
• [Kinase database: SFKs](https://www.kinasedb.org/)

Background

The study of Lck — Proto Oncogene Tyrosine Protein Kinase Lck has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.

Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.

See Also

• [LCK Gene - Gene page for LCK](/genes/lck)
• [SRC Protein - c-Src Proto-Oncogene](/genes/src)
• [Tyrosine Kinases - Tyrosine kinase categor](/genes/cat)y
• Neuroimmunology - Neuroimmunology

External Links

• [UniProt: P06239](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P06239) - Lck protein database entry
• [NCBI Gene: 3932](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3932) - LCK gene database

References