Background：Non-receptor tyrosine kinase involved in B-lymphocyte development, differentiation and signaling. B-cell receptor(BCR) signaling requires a tight regulation of several protein tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, and associated coreceptors. Binding of antigen to the B-cell antigen receptor(BCR) triggers signaling that ultimately leads to B-cell activation. Signaling through BLK plays an important role in transmitting signals through surface immunoglobulins and supports the pro-B to pre-B transition, as well as the signaling for growth arrest and apoptosis downstream of B-cell receptor. Specifically binds and phosphorylates CD79A at 'Tyr-188'and 'Tyr-199', as well as CD79B at 'Tyr-196' and 'Tyr-207'. Phosphorylates also the immunoglobulin G receptors FCGR2A, FCGR2B and FCGR2C. With FYN and LYN, plays an essential role in pre-B-cell receptor(pre-BCR)-mediated NF-kappa-B activation. Contributes also to BTK activation by indirectly stimulating BTK intramolecular autophosphorylation. In pancreatic islets, acts as a modulator of beta-cells function through the up-regulation of PDX1 and NKX6-1 and consequent stimulation of insulin secretion in response to glucose.
