Brain Selective Kinase 1 (BRSK1)

By sequencing clones obtained from a size-fractionated adult brain cDNA library, Nagase et al. (2001) cloned BRSK1, which they designated KIAA1811. The deduced 715-amino acid protein shares 75% identity with BRSK2. The first methionine was not found within a Kozak context, indicating the cDNA may be incomplete. RT-PCR ELISA detected highest expression in adult brain, followed by fetal brain and adult spinal cord. Intermediate expression was detected in adult heart, pancreas, testis, ovary, lung, and kidney, and in fetal liver. Adult liver, spleen, and skeletal muscle showed little to no expression. All specific adult brain regions examined showed intermediate to high BRSK1 expression, with highest levels in caudate nucleus and substantia nigra.