Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Tyrosine kinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to a tyrosine residue in a protein. This phosphorylation event plays a crucial role in signaling pathways regulating cell division, growth, and immune responses.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Tyrosine kinases are key regulators of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
Mutations or dysregulation in tyrosine kinases can lead to various diseases, including immunodeficiency and cancers.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used as targeted therapies for certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Tyrosine kinase activity is essential for the activation of T cells and B cells in the immune system.
Several primary immunodeficiency disorders involve defects in tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.
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Related terms
Phosphorylation: The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often regulating protein function.
Signal Transduction: The process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus into another.
Immunodeficiency: A state where the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease is compromised or entirely absent.