Catalytic domain of the Serine/Threonine kinases, Liver Kinase B1, Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase Kinase, and similar proteins
STKs catalyze the transfer of the gamma-phosphoryl group from ATP to serine/threonine residues on protein substrates. Both LKB1 and CaMKKs can phosphorylate and activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). LKB1, also called STK11, serves as a master upstream kinase that activates AMPK and most AMPK-like kinases. LKB1 and AMPK are part of an energy-sensing pathway that links cell energy to metabolism and cell growth. They play critical roles in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity, cell proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, as well as T-cell metabolism, including T-cell development, homeostasis, and effector function. CaMKKs are upstream kinases of the CaM kinase cascade that phosphorylate and activate CaMKI and CamKIV. They may also phosphorylate other substrates including PKB and AMPK. Vertebrates contain two CaMKKs, CaMKK1 (or alpha) and CaMKK2 (or beta). CaMKK1 is involved in the regulation of glucose uptake in skeletal muscles. CaMKK2 is involved in regulating energy balance, glucose metabolism, adiposity, hematopoiesis, inflammation, and cancer. The LKB1/CaMKK subfamily is part of a larger superfamily that includes the catalytic domains of other STKs, protein tyrosine kinases, RIO kinases, aminoglycoside phosphotransferase, choline kinase, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase.