STK11

STK11 (Serine/Threonine Kinase 11), also known as Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1), is a gene that encodes a protein kinase involved in cell metabolism and polarity. It is a tumor suppressor gene, and mutations in this gene can lead to Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a rare inherited condition characterized by the development of noncancerous growths called polyps in the gastrointestinal tract.

Function

The STK11 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that helps regulate cell division and cell polarity, which is the asymmetry necessary for many of the basic functions of a cell. This enzyme also plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell metabolism, including the way cells use and store energy.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the STK11 gene are associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. This condition increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including cancers of the breast, colon, pancreas, and stomach. The STK11 gene mutation can also cause other medical conditions such as Testicular Germ Cell Tumor (TGCT) and Lung Cancer.

Research

Research on the STK11 gene is ongoing, with scientists studying its role in cell metabolism and cancer development. Understanding the function of the STK11 gene and how mutations in this gene lead to disease could lead to new treatments for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and other conditions.

See also

• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
• Tumor suppressor gene
• Cell metabolism
• Cell polarity