Receptor Serine/Threonine Kinases (RSTKs)

Receptor serine/threonine kinases (RSTKs) are a group of related catalytic receptors that includes TGF-β receptors (TGF-βRI-III) and activin receptors (ALK1-7). RSTKs exist as heterodimers of type I and type II receptors and the ligand binding domain is located in the type II receptor. Upon ligand-receptor binding, the type I receptors are recruited to the complex and are phosphorylated by the type II receptor.

Receptor Serine/Threonine Kinase (RSTK) Target Files

BMP and Other Activin Receptors

TGF-β Receptors

Related Categories

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

Kinases

SMAD proteins are subsequently phosphorylated by activated type I receptors, which are specific to the subtype of RSTK; TGF-βR and ALK4/5/7 phosphorylate Smad2/3, whilst ALK1/2/3/6 phosphorylate Smad1/5/8. Activated Smads associate with Smad4 and are transported to the nucleus to regulate expression of specific genes. Transcription factors and co-factors form a complex with Smad and are responsible for gene expression. There are many human diseases caused by dysregulation of RSTK signaling. These include gastrointestinal, pancreatic and pituitary malignancies, embryonic left-right axis malformation, aortic aneurysm and Loeys-Dietz syndrome.