Enables eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2alpha kinase activity. Involved in several processes, including PERK-mediated unfolded protein response; nematode larval development; and regulation of macromolecule metabolic process. Predicted to be located in endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Predicted to be active in cytoplasm and nucleus. Is expressed in intestine; muscle cell; and neurons. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Wolcott-Rallison syndrome and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Orthologous to human EIF2AK3 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3).
WB Description
pek-1 encodes a predicted transmembrane protein kinase orthologous to human eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 3 (EIF2AK3, OMIM:604032), which when mutated leads to Wolcott-Rallison syndrome; PEK-1 is strongly expressed in intestinal cells and is required for the unfolded protein response (UPR) that counteracts cellular stress induced by accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); PEK-1 may function in the endoplasmic reticulum to phosphorylate eIF2alpha and inhibit protein synthesis in response to endogenous ER stress.