Description
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the CaMKK2 gene. The product of this gene belongs to the serine/threonine-specific protein kinase family, and to the Ca++/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase subfamily. This protein plays a role in the calcium/calmodulin-dependent(CaM) kinase cascade by phosphorylating the downstream kinases CaMK1 and CaMK4. CaMKK2 regulates production of the appetite stimulating hormone neuropeptide Y and functions as an AMPK kinase in the hypothalamus. It also has an important role in the development of hyperalgesia and tolerance to opioid analgesic drugs, through reduction in downstream signalling pathways and mu opioid receptor downregulation. Inhibition of CaMKK2 in mice reduces appetite and promotes weight loss