A newly identified tyrosine kinase is preferentially expressed in the gastrointestinal tract.

We have identified a novel protein tyrosine kinase, cloned from rat intestinal mRNA, which is selectively expressed at high levels in intestinal cells, but is expressed at low or insignificant levels in a variety of other epithelial and non-epithelial organs. Gastrointestinal associated kinase (GASK) mRNA is present at high levels in stomach, small intestine and colon. GASK may play an important role in the growth, differentiation and/or development of the gastrointestinal tract.