Sandbox Reserved 598
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| This Sandbox is Reserved from Feb 1, 2013, through May 10, 2013 for use in the course "Biochemistry" taught by Irma Santoro at the Reinhardt University. This reservation includes Sandbox Reserved 591 through Sandbox Reserved 599. |
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Janus Kinase 2 (Jak2)
Background
Janus Kinase 2 is a non-receptor janus kinase, a protein which is part of the tyrosine kinases. These group of kinases are the primary intracellular mediators of cytokine signaling and are involved in the control of cellular growth. As a non-receptor kinase, Jak 2 has a cytoplasmic enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group through phosphorylation to the tyrosine residue in the protein. Such an enzyme plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular functions by switching on or off additional enzymes within the cell. [1] Such phosphorylation is a reversible process, and used in many different pathways as a method to control cellular activity. However kinases like Jak2, have enzymes which add phosphate groups to hydroxyl side chains as can be seen in the diagram. [2] 
Jak2 was given its name "Janus" after the two-faced Roman God "Janus" who was known as the custodian of the universe and the God of new beginnings. [3] The abbreviation 'Jak' is commonly referred to as 'just another kinase' as, when it was first discovered, the kinase's role was not yet fully understood. [4]
Analyzing and Discovering Jak2 Structure
In determining the three-dimensional structure of the Jak2 protein, three primary methods of analysis were used; protein expression and purification, crystallization, and x-ray data collection. [5]
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