Characterization of DYRK2(dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2) from Zebrafish(Dario rerio)

Proteins of the DYRK(dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase) family are characterized by the presence of a conserved kinase domain and N-terminal DH box.DYRK2 is involved in regulating key developmental and cellular processes,such as neurogenesis,cell proliferation,cytokinesis,and cellular differentiation.Herein,we report that the ortholog of DYRK2 found in zebrafish shares about 70% identity with that of human,mouse,and chick.RT-PCR showed that DYRK2 is expressed maternally and zygotically.In-situ hybridization results show that DYRK2 is expressed in somite cells that will develop into muscles.Our results provide preliminary evidence for investigating the in-vivo function of DYRK2 in zebrafish muscle development.