CNKSR1

CNKSR1 encodes the Connector Enhancer of Kinase Suppressor of Ras 1 protein, commonly known as CNK1. As a scaffold protein, it mediates protein-protein interactions to regulate Ras-driven signaling cascades, including the MAPK/ERK pathway. It interacts with Raf kinases and Rho GTPase regulators, fine-tuning signal transduction critical for cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration.
Dysregulation of CNKSR1 is associated with breast, colorectal, and lung cancers, where it promotes tumor growth and metastasis. It also contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder via synaptic function modulation. Preclinical studies target CNK1’s interaction domains to disrupt oncogenic signaling, though no clinical drugs are currently available.