JAK1

What is JAK1 protein?

JAK1 gene (Janus kinase 1) is a protein coding gene which situated on the short arm of chromosome 1 at locus 1p31. This gene encodes a membrane protein that is a member of a class of protein-tyrosine kinases (PTK) characterized by the presence of a second phosphotransferase-related domain immediately N-terminal to the PTK domain. The encoded kinase phosphorylates STAT proteins (signal transducers and activators of transcription) and plays a key role in interferon-alpha/beta, interferon-gamma, and cytokine signal transduction. This gene plays a crucial role in effecting the expression of genes that mediate inflammation, epithelial remodeling, and metastatic cancer progression. This gene is a key component of the interleukin-6 (IL-6)/JAK1/STAT3 immune and inflammation response and is a therapeutic target for alleviating cytokine storms. The JAK1 protein is consisted of 1154 amino acids and JAK1 molecular weight is approximately 133.3 kDa.

What is the function of JAK1 protein?

JAK1 phosphorylates STAT proteins, which are then activated, dimerize, and translocate to the nucleus to regulate the expression of specific genes. JAK1 plays a significant role in immune responses, including the development and function of the immune system, particularly in the signaling of interferons (IFNs) and interleukins (ILs). It contributes to the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and survival through its involvement in cytokine signaling pathways. JAK1 is involved in various developmental processes, including organogenesis and tissue repair. JAK1 is crucial for blood cell production, as it is involved in the signaling pathways of several cytokines important for hematopoietic function.

JAK1 Related Signaling Pathway

JAK1 plays an important role in the development and function of immune cells, especially in lymphocyte signaling. JAK1 is involved in signaling by binding to specific domains of cytokine receptors via FERM domains and SH2 domains at its amino terminus. JAK1 mediates the transmission of various cytokine signals, such as interferon (IFNs) and interleukin (ILs), which play a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and immune regulation. JAK1 can phosphorylate STAT protein after activation, resulting in the dimerization of STAT protein and migration to the nucleus, regulating the expression of target genes.

JAK1 Related Diseases

Mutations in the JAK1 gene can lead to primary immunodeficiency, such as some types of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), because JAK1 plays a crucial role in the development and function of lymphocytes. Overactivation of JAK1 has been linked to the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease, which involve the immune system attacking its own tissues. Sustained activation of JAK1 is associated with the development, progression, and treatment resistance of certain cancers, including blood cancers and solid tumors, and it may promote the proliferation, survival, and metastasis of tumor cells. JAK1's role in regulating the immune response also makes it relevant for allergic diseases, such as asthma, where activation of JAK1 can lead to inflammation and activation of immune cells. In addition, it is also associated with viral infection, chronic inflammation and blood diseases.

Fig1. JAK/STAT pathway in myeloproliferative neoplasms. (Alfonso Quintás-Cardama, 2013)

Bioapplications of JAK1

In terms of disease treatment, as a key component of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, JAK1 is a focus for the development of targeted therapeutics for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and certain cancers. JAK1 inhibitors are used to regulate the immune response and reduce the activity of pathological immune cells and inflammation in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The active status of JAK1 or its mutation may be used as a disease marker for the diagnosis of certain diseases and the monitoring of therapeutic response. In basic research, JAK1 serves as an important tool for studying cell signaling, immune response, and disease mechanisms, contributing to a deeper understanding of related biological processes.