TNK2

Activated CDC42 kinase 1, also known as ACK1, is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the TNK2 is_associated_with::gene.

Interactions
ACK1 or TNK2 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::AKT, Androgen receptor or AR, a tumor suppressor is_associated_with::WWOX, is_associated_with::FYN and is_associated_with::Grb2. ACK1 interaction with its substrates resulted in their phosphorylation at specific tyrosine residues. ACK1 has been shown to directly phosphorylate AKT at tyrosine 176, AR at Tyrosine 267 and 363, and WWOX at tyrosine 287 residues, respectively. Ack1-AR signaling has also been reported to regulate ATM levels,

Clinical relevance
ACK1 is a survival kinase and shown to be associated with tumor cell survival, proliferation, hormone-resistance and radiation resistance. The activation of ACK1 has been observed in prostate, breast, pancreatic, lung and ovarian cancer cells. ACK1 transgenic mice, expressing activated ACK1 specifically in prostate gland has been reported; these mice develop prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PINs).

ACK1 inhibitors
Ack1 has emerged as a new cancer target and multiple small molecule inhibitors have been reported. All of these inhibitors are currently in the pre-clinical stage.