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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/stk11/

STK11 gene

serine/threonine kinase 11

Normal Function

The STK11 gene (also called LKB1) provides instructions for making an enzyme called serine/threonine kinase 11. This enzyme is a tumor suppressor, which means that it helps keep cells from growing and dividing too fast or in an uncontrolled way. This enzyme helps certain types of cells correctly orient themselves within tissues (polarization) and assists in determining the amount of energy a cell uses. This kinase also promotes a type of programmed cell death known as apoptosis. In addition to its role as a tumor suppressor, serine/threonine kinase 11 function appears to be required for normal development before birth.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Breast cancer

Inherited changes in the STK11 gene greatly increase the risk of developing breast cancer, as well as other types of cancer, as part of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (described above). These mutations are thought to account for only a small fraction of all breast cancer cases.

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Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Inherited mutations in the STK11 gene cause Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a condition characterized by the development of noncancerous growths called hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and a greatly increased risk of developing several types of cancer. More than 340 STK11 gene mutations have been identified in people with this condition. Many of these mutations result in the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of the serine/threonine kinase 11 enzyme. Other mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) used to build the enzyme. Mutations in the STK11 gene impair the enzyme's tumor suppressor function, allowing cells to grow and divide without control or order. This uncontrolled cell growth can lead to the formation of hamartomatous polyps and cancerous tumors.

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Lung cancer

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Lung cancer

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Ovarian cancer

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Ovarian cancer

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Other cancers

Noninherited (somatic) mutations in the STK11 gene have been found in various forms of cancer. Somatic mutations are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells. They do not occur as part of a cancer syndrome. Somatic STK11 gene mutations have been identified in a form of lung cancer called non-small cell lung carcinoma, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, an aggressive type of skin cancer called melanoma, and pancreatic cancer. These mutations impair the function of serine/threonine kinase 11, which can allow cells to grow and divide uncontrollably and contribute to the formation of a cancerous tumor.

Other Names for This Gene

  • LKB1
  • PJS
  • serine/threonine kinase 11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome)
  • Serine/threonine-protein kinase 11
  • STK11_HUMAN

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Hardie DG, Alessi DR. LKB1 and AMPK and the cancer-metabolism link - ten years after. BMC Biol. 2013 Apr 15;11:36. doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-36. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Hemminki A, Markie D, Tomlinson I, Avizienyte E, Roth S, Loukola A, Bignell G, Warren W, Aminoff M, Hoglund P, Jarvinen H, Kristo P, Pelin K, Ridanpaa M, Salovaara R, Toro T, Bodmer W, Olschwang S, Olsen AS, Stratton MR, de la Chapelle A, Aaltonen LA. A serine/threonine kinase gene defective in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Nature. 1998 Jan 8;391(6663):184-7. doi: 10.1038/34432. Citation on PubMed
  • McGarrity TJ, Amos CI, Baker MJ. Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. 2001 Feb 23 [updated 2021 Sep 2]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1266/ Citation on PubMed
  • National Cancer Institute: Genetics of Breast and Gynecologic Cancers (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version
  • Vaahtomeri K, Makela TP. Molecular mechanisms of tumor suppression by LKB1. FEBS Lett. 2011 Apr 6;585(7):944-51. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.12.034. Epub 2010 Dec 27. Citation on PubMed
  • Weissman SM, Weiss SM, Newlin AC. Genetic testing by cancer site: ovary. Cancer J. 2012 Jul-Aug;18(4):320-7. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0b013e31826246c2. Citation on PubMed
  • Wingo SN, Gallardo TD, Akbay EA, Liang MC, Contreras CM, Boren T, Shimamura T, Miller DS, Sharpless NE, Bardeesy N, Kwiatkowski DJ, Schorge JO, Wong KK, Castrillon DH. Somatic LKB1 mutations promote cervical cancer progression. PLoS One. 2009;4(4):e5137. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005137. Epub 2009 Apr 2. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Zhuang ZG, Di GH, Shen ZZ, Ding J, Shao ZM. Enhanced expression of LKB1 in breast cancer cells attenuates angiogenesis, invasion, and metastatic potential. Mol Cancer Res. 2006 Nov;4(11):843-9. doi: 10.1158/1541-7786.MCR-06-0118. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.