NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 1 also known as AMPK-related protein kinase 5 (ARK5) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NUAK1 gene.[5][6][7]
Acts as a regulator of cellular senescence and cellular ploidy by mediating phosphorylation of 'Ser-464' of LATS1, thereby controlling its stability. Controls cell adhesion by regulating activity of the myosin protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) complex.[8]
ARK5 is important in tumor malignancy and invasiveness.[9]
ARK5 is often overexpressed in multiple myeloma cell lines.[10][11] ARK5 promotes tumor cell survival under regulation by Akt.[9]
ARK5 increases MT1-MMP production.[9] (MT1-MMP activates MMP-2 and MMP-9 which are involved in tumor metastasis.[9])
ON123300 (a CDK4 inhibitor), also inhibits ARK5 and reduces proliferation of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma cell lines.[10]
NUAK1 has been shown to interact with USP9X[12] and Ubiquitin C.[12]