ULK4

This gene encodes a member of the unc-51-like serine/threonine kinase (STK) family. Members of this protein family play a role in neuronal growth and endocytosis. The encoded protein is likely involved in neurite branching, neurite elongation and neuronal migration. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) indicate an association of variations in this gene with blood pressure and hypertension. Sequence variations in this gene may also be be associated with psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Pseudogenes associated with this gene have been identified and are located on chromosome 15. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2016]

Full Name

unc-51-like kinase 4 (C. elegans)

Function

May be involved in the remodeling of cytoskeletal components, such as alpha-tubulin, and in this way regulates neurite branching and elongation, as well as cell motility.

Biological Process

Biological Process microtubule cytoskeleton organization Source:MGI1 Publication
Biological Process protein phosphorylation Source:InterPro
Biological Process regulation of JNK cascade Source:MGI1 Publication
Biological Process regulation of MAPK cascade Source:MGI1 Publication
Biological Process regulation of neuron migration Source:MGI1 Publication
Biological Process regulation of neuron projection development Source:MGI1 Publication
Biological Process regulation of p38MAPK cascade Source:MGI1 Publication
Biological Process regulation of protein kinase C signaling Source:MGI1 Publication

Involvement in disease

Various anomalies in ULK4 gene have been reported for several cases of schizophrenia, schizophrenia plus bipolar disorder and autism. ULK4 gene has been proposed to be a rare susceptibility risk factor for a range of psychiatric diseases including schizophrenia.