Taok1, or Thousand and one amino-acid kinase 1, is a MAP3K protein kinase. It regulates different mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, modulating various cellular processes. Its proper regulation is crucial for normal biological functions [1].

Taok1 haploinsufficiency in mice leads to autistic-like behaviors. The gene is enriched in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), and its haploinsufficiency restrains DRN neuron activation during social interactions, causing aberrant protein phosphorylation. Deletion of Taok1 in VGlut3-positive neurons of DRN also results in autistic-like behaviors, and reintroducing wild-type Taok1 into the DRN of adult mice mitigates these behaviors [3]. Additionally, altered Taok1 expression levels in the embryonic mouse brain affect neural migration in vivo and neuronal maturation in vitro, indicating its importance in neurodevelopment [1]. In cancer cachexia, Corylifol A ameliorates muscle atrophy by binding to Taok1 and inhibiting the Taok1/p38-MAPK/FoxO3 pathway [2].

In conclusion, Taok1 is essential for neuronal maturation, cortical development, and social interaction behaviors as revealed by mouse models. Its dysregulation is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and autistic-like behaviors. Also, it is involved in muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia, highlighting its significance in understanding these disease conditions.