ScienceSeptember 6, 2026

kinases

KAI-nay-siz

Definition

A type of enzyme that modifies other proteins by adding a phosphate group to them, which often acts as an 'on' or 'off' switch for cellular activities.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'kinein' (to move), reflecting the enzyme's role in shifting or transferring phosphate groups between molecules.

In the news

In this article, kinases are described as critical molecular switches that, when activated by the GP130 receptor, push cancer cells to survive and proliferate through downstream signaling.

Garlic compound blocks key signal, triggering gastric cancer cell death

Read the full article ↗

Bioengineer.org

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