pek-1 encodes a predicted transmembrane protein kinase orthologous to human eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 3 (EIF2AK3, OMIM:604032), which when mutated leads to Wolcott-Rallison syndrome; PEK-1 is strongly expressed in intestinal cells and is required for the unfolded protein response (UPR) that counteracts cellular stress induced by accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); PEK-1 may function in the endoplasmic reticulum to phosphorylate eIF2alpha and inhibit protein synthesis in response to endogenous ER stress.
Enables eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2alpha kinase activity. Involved in several processes, including PERK-mediated unfolded protein response; nematode larval development; and positive regulation of protein phosphorylation. Predicted to be located in endoplasmic reticulum membrane and nucleus. Expressed in intestine; muscle cell; and neurons. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Wolcott-Rallison syndrome and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Is an ortholog of human EIF2AK3 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3).
Map position created from combination of previous interpolated map position (based on known location of sequence) and allele information. Therefore this is not a genetic map position based on recombination frequencies or genetic experiments. This was done on advice of the CGC.