Serine/threonine-protein kinase TAO2 (TAOK2)

Serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in different processes such as membrane blebbing and apoptotic bodies formation DNA damage response and MAPK14/p38 MAPK stress-activated MAPK cascade. Phosphorylates itself, MBP, triggered MAPK8, MAP2K3, MAP2K6 and tubulins.

Activates the MAPK14/p38 MAPK signaling pathway through the particular activation and phosphorylation of the upstream MAP2K3 and MAP2K6 kinases. Isoform 1, but not isoform 2, plays a role in apoptotic morphological changes, such as cell contraction, membrane blebbing and apoptotic bodies formation.