Janus kinase (short JAK) is a family of intracellular
tyrosine kinases, ranging from 120-140
kDa, that are involved in the signalling cascade of
cytokines by associating with one of the
cytokine receptors[?], for example, the
interferon receptor.
The kinase was named after Janus, the Roman[?] gatekeeper of heaven. He is described as having two faces, as the kinase has two phosphate-transferring domains. The abbreviation JAK is sometimes interpreted as "just another kinase".
- See also: JAK-STAT pathway[?]
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