What does kinase mean?
A kinase is an enzyme that adds a phosphate group to another molecule, a process known as phosphorylation. It commonly transfers the phosphate from ATP to a protein or other substrate. Because phosphorylation can change a protein's activity, stability, location, or interactions, kinases help coordinate essential cellular processes such as signal transmission, metabolism, growth, and cell division. Different kinases have different targets and regulatory properties, so the word is often qualified by terms such as protein, tyrosine, serine, or MAP. Kinase activity can be abnormal in disease, particularly when it contributes to uncontrolled cellular growth, which is why kinase inhibitors are important in some cancer treatments. The term is most often encountered in biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine, and pharmacology.
nounA kinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from a donor molecule, such as ATP, to a substrate, thereby phosphorylating it. Kinases regulate many cellular processes, including metabolism, growth, and cell signalling.
- An enzyme that transfers a phosphate group from a donor molecule to a substrate, usually with ATP serving as the phosphate donor.
"The kinase was inhibited to prevent excessive phosphorylation of its target protein."
"Researchers identified a kinase that controls the cell's response to stress."
"The treatment blocks a kinase involved in the growth of cancer cells."
The plural is used when referring to multiple distinct enzymes or members of the kinase class.
"Several kinases are activated when the cell receives a growth signal."
Kinases act as molecular switches: adding a phosphate group can switch a protein on or off, helping cells decide when to grow, divide, or respond.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kinase come from?
Kinase combines the suffix -ase, used in the names of enzymes, with the Greek root kinein, meaning “to move.” The element reflects the historical idea that these enzymes help transfer or move phosphate groups. Related English words include kinesis, kinetic, kinesic, and cinematic, which derive from the same Greek root associated with movement.
Related word forms
How kinase is actually used
In technical biological usage, kinase is normally used with a modifier when the particular enzyme or substrate class is relevant, as in protein kinase, MAP kinase, or tyrosine kinase. The term is not usually used informally.