Misshapen/NIKs-related kinase 1 (MINK1) plays a vital role in modulating various cellular process such as actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, cell matrix adhesion, cell-cell adhesion, cell morphology, and survival. It is also implicated in the cell motility and cell invasion. Kinase inactive mutant of MINK1 increased cell spreading, actin stress fiber formation, adhesion to extracellular matrix and inhibited cell motility and invasion. Thus, alteration in the MINK1 activity inhibits tumor development. MINK is activated after Ras induction via a method involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). This activated MINK triggers the activity of p38 stress-activated kinase via MAP3K (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase) 5/8 and MKK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase) 3/6, which leads to p53-independent induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21WAF1/CIP1 and permanent cell cycle arrest. MINK1 has an essential role in abscission, which is a final stage of cytokinesis.
