ILK: A Drug Target for Various Diseases (P11353)

Target Name: Integrin-linked kinase

NCBI ID: P11353

Other Name(s): 59 kDa serine/threonine-protein kinase | p59ILK | Beta-integrin-linked kinase | ILK | ILK-2 | ILK-1 | ILK2

ILK: A Drug Target for Various Diseases

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK), also known as nonspecified subtype, is a protein that plays a crucial role in cell signaling and cytoskeletal organization. It is a 59 kDa serine/threonine-protein kinase that is highly expressed in various tissues, including muscle, neural, and epithelial cells. ILK is involved in the regulation of cellular processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, and has been implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. As a result, ILK has become an attractive drug target for researchers to explore new treatments for these diseases.

The primary function of ILK is to regulate cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization. ILK is involved in the formation of tight junctions, which are essential for maintaining tissue structure and preventing excessive fluid leakage. It also plays a role in the regulation of cell migration and invasion, allowing cells to move towards and invade new tissues. In addition, ILK is involved in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation, ensuring that cells are able to withstand various cellular stressors and remain healthy.

ILK has been implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. For example, studies have shown that high levels of ILK are associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, ILK has been shown to be involved in the regulation of cancer cell growth and survival, making it a potential target for cancer treatments.

As a result of its involvement in these processes, ILK has become an attractive drug target for researchers to explore new treatments for various diseases. For example, researchers have been exploring the use of small molecules and other compounds to inhibit the activity of ILK, with the goal of treating diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. In addition, there is also interest in using ILK as a biomarker to diagnose and monitor these diseases.

In conclusion, ILK is a 59 kDa serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a crucial role in cell signaling and cytoskeletal organization. It is highly expressed in various tissues and is involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. ILK has been implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders, making it an attractive drug target for researchers to explore new treatments. As a result, the study of ILK is an active area of research, with a focus on the use of small molecules and other compounds to inhibit the activity of ILK and its role as a biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases.

Protein Name: Integrin-linked Kinase (nonspecified Subtype)

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