Abstract
The SNF1 protein kinase family currently comprises SNF1 itself in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the AMP-activated protein kinases (AMPK) in mammals, and the SNF1-related protein kinases (SnRKs) in higher plants. Members of the family have been discovered and rediscovered several times in recent years by different biochemical assays and/or genetic screens, and only when DNA and amino acid sequences became available was it realised that all of the different functions described were due to the members of the same protein kinase family. The physiological roles of the SNF1 family are currently better defined in yeast and animals, so it is necessary to begin our review with a description of those systems. However, some of the higher-plant SnRKs appear to be highly conserved with their yeast and animal counterparts, and we suspect they will turn out to play very similar roles. From the yeast and animal studies described in more detail below, the concept is emerging that the SNF1 family protect cells against nutritional or environmental stresses, particularly those which compromise cellular energy status, by regulating both metabolism and gene expression.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
