Casein kinase II as a potentially important enzyme concerned with signal transduction

At least two of the proteins that undergo changes in serine (threonine) phosphorylation as a result of insulin action are substrates for the protein serine kinase known as casein kinase II (CK-II). Although CK-II has been studied for a number of years, its physiological functions are not well understood. Several developments, which have stimulated a renewed interest in this particular protein kinase, are reviewed in this paper. Topics discussed include a review of the properties of CK-II, the regulation of CK-II levels, a computer search for potential substrates of CK-II, and phosphorylation of nuclear oncoproteins by CK-II. Its unique features described in the paper make CK-II a candidate in controlling aspects of gene transcription