The role of CK2 protein kinase in stress response of RAW 264.7 macrophages.

The role of casein kinase 2 (CK2) in the activation of the key NF-κB signaling cascade and other signaling and stress proteins during stress induced by exposure to nonthermal low-intensity electromagnetic radiation has been investigated. The ability of CK2 to regulate the activation of the NF-κB signaling cascade and upregulate the proinflammatory cytokine production and TLR4 receptor expression has been demonstrated. The existence of an alternative signaling pathway for NF-κB cascade activation directly involving protein kinase CK2 has been demonstrated using inhibition analysis in cells stressed by microwave irradiation.