SRSF Protein Kinase 3 (SRPK3)

SRPK3 encodes a protein kinase similar to a protein kinase which is specific for the SR (serine/arginine-rich domain) family of splicing factors. A highly similar protein has been shown to play a role in muscle development in mice. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. The Srpk3 gene is specifically expressed in the heart and skeletal muscle from embryogenesis to adulthood and is controlled by a muscle-specific enhancer directly regulated by MEF2. Srpk3-null mice display a new entity of type 2 fiber-specific myopathy with a marked increase in centrally placed nuclei; while transgenic mice overexpressing Srpk3 in skeletal muscle show severe myofiber degeneration and early lethality. Normal muscle growth and homeostasis require MEF2-dependent signaling by Srpk3.