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protein kinase
noun
: any of a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to one or more amino acids in the side chain of a protein resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function
Examples of protein kinase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples include monoclonal antibodies, angiogenesis inhibitors, and protein kinase inhibitors.
—Taylyn Washington-Harmon, Health, 16 Dec. 2023
The disorder, an abbreviation for calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase 2, impacts mobility and brain function.
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 26 June 2023
The team at Stamford has previously determined the role of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 4 (HIPK4) in the later stages of spermatogenesis, and it is thought that a drug targeting this kinase could be used as a contraceptive.
—Hannah Flynn, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2018
Hall was honored for his work in discovering how a large family of nutrient-dependent protein kinases, called the TOR proteins, play a central role in controlling the cell growth.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2017
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Word History
First Known Use
1962, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near protein kinase
Cite this Entry
“Protein kinase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protein%20kinase. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
protein kinase
noun
: any of a class of allosteric enzymes that possess a catalytic subunit which transfers a phosphate from ATP to one or more amino acid residues (as serine, threonine, or tyrosine) in a protein's side chain resulting in a conformational change affecting protein function, that play a role in regulating intracellular processes, and that include many which are activated by the binding of a second messenger (as cyclic AMP)
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