Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Hepatocyte progenitor kinase-like/germinal center kinase-like kinase (HGK) i or mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4(MAP4K4) is a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family. HGK has been shown to specifically activate MAPK8/JNK. The activation of MAPK8 by HGK can be inhibited by dominant-negative mutants of MAP3K7(mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 7)/TAK1(transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1), MAP2K4/MKK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4), and MAP2K7/MKK7, which suggest that this kinase functions through the MAP3K7-MAP2K4-MAP2K7 kinase cascade and mediates TNF-α signaling. HGK-dependent signaling inhibits peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ)-responsive gene expression, adipogenesis, and insulin-stimulated glucose transport. MAP4K4 gene is mapped to human chromosome 2q11.2._x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4(MAP4K4) enzyme participates in promoting and suppressing inflammatory process. The MAP4K4 gene is upregulated in adenocarcinoma. Map4k4 in mice, is necessary for normal lymphatic vascular function. From endothelium-specific Map4k4 knockout models, it is found that atherosclerosis and lymphocyte recruitment might be induced by Map4k4. MAP4K4 is known to cause insulin resistance which is associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis. It mediates tumor necrosis factor-α induced β cells necrosis._x000D_ Physical form_x000D_ Supplied in 50mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 150mM NaCl, 10mM glutathione, 0.1mM EDTA, 0.25mM DTT, 0.1mM PMSF, 25% glycerol._x000D_ Preparation Note_x000D_ after opening, aliquot into smaller quantities and store at -70 °C. Avoid repeating handling and multiple freeze/thaw cycles_x000D_ Legal Information_x000D_ PRECISIO is a registered trademark of Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC