Rabbit polyclonal antibody to CARKL (A53)

CARKL, also known as SHPK (sedoheptulokinase), is a 478 amino acid protein that localizes to the cytoplasm and belongs to the FGGY family of protein kinases. Expressed at high levels in kidney, pancreas and liver and at lower levels in heart, placenta, brain and lung, CARKL functions at an optimal pH of 8.5 and catalyzes the ATP~dependent phosphorylation of sedoheptulose to yield sedoheptulose 7~phosphate, an intermediate in the pentose phosphate pathway. Once phosphorylated, sedoheptulose is unable to exit the cell via the cell membrane, resulting in the containment of sedoheptulose 7~phosphate within the cell. Defects in the gene encoding CARKL are associated with cystinosis, an autosomal recessive genetic disorder of the renal tubules that is characterized by excessive urination and low blood levels of phosphates and potassium.