TESK2, a novel member of the LIMK/TESK family of protein kinases, is predominantly expressed in testis and prostate [2]. It phosphorylates cofilin at Ser-3 and induces actin stress fibers and focal adhesions formation [3]. TESK2 seems to play a role in spermatogenesis as it is expressed mainly in testicular Sertoli cells [3]. It is also potentially involved in pathways related to early growth and postpartum diseases in beef cows [5], and may be associated with personality traits, alcohol dependence [7], and heart rate [8].

In the epi-cblC disorder, an inherited disorder of intracellular vitamin B12 metabolism, the antisense readthrough transcription of the mutated PRDX1 gene leads to epigenetic silencing of TESK2, suggesting potential consequences on cancer risk and spermatogenesis [1]. In human lung-to-brain metastasis, low expression of TESK2 is associated with poor survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and the dopamine agonist apomorphine may target premetastasis-associated genes including TESK2 to prevent brain metastasis [4]. In HNSCC patients, high expression of TESK2 in HPV-negative exosomes correlates with poor survival [6]. In crab Portunus trituberculatus, TESK2 gene expression in male crabs is closely correlated with the concentrations of PAHs, suggesting it could be a candidate indicator for assessing PAHs-related environmental pollution [9].

In summary, TESK2 has important functions in spermatogenesis and is potentially associated with various diseases such as epi-cblC disorder, lung-to-brain metastasis, and HNSCC. Its expression is also related to environmental pollution assessment in crabs. Research on TESK2 helps understand its role in biological processes and disease mechanisms, potentially providing new insights for disease prevention and treatment.