Definition: A dsRNA-activated cAMP-independent protein serine/threonine kinase that is induced by interferon. In the presence of dsRNA and ATP, the kinase autophosphorylates on several serine and threonine residues. The phosphorylated enzyme catalyzes the phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of EUKARYOTIC INITIATION FACTOR-2, leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis.
Other names eRF, eIF 2 Recycling Factor; eIF-2alpha Kinase, Heme-Regulated; eIF 2alpha Kinase; eIF 2 Kinase; dsRNA Activated Inhibitor; Translational Repressor, Hemin-Controlled; Translational Repressor, Heme-Controlled; Self Phosphorylating Protein Kinase; Repressor, Hemin-Controlled Translational; Repressor, Hemin Controlled; Repressor, Heme-Controlled Translational; Repressor, Heme Controlled; RNA Dependent Protein Kinase; Protein Kinase, Self-Phosphorylating; Protein Kinase, RNA-Dependent; Protein Kinase, P68; Protein Kinase, DSRNA-Dep; Protein Kinase, DAI; PKR, Protein Kinase; Kinase, p68