MAP3K11 (Mixed Lineage Kinase 3, MLK3) is a serine/threonine kinase that serves as a critical upstream regulator of multiple MAPK signaling pathways. The protein activates JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling through phosphorylation of downstream kinases MAP2K4/MKK4 and MAP2K7/MKK7, and is required for serum-stimulated cell proliferation and cytokine-mediated activation of p38, ERK, and JNK pathways 1. MAP3K11 also regulates autophagy by phosphorylating ATG4B at serine residues 383/392, thereby enhancing its proteolytic activity and promoting autophagic flux 2. In disease contexts, MAP3K11 exhibits oncogenic properties in hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting TGFβ signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and hepatic stellate cell activation 3. Elevated MAP3K11 expression correlates with poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma when co-expressed with ATG4B 2. Additionally, rare variants in MAP3K11 have been associated with left ventricular hypertrophy through its role as a pro-apoptotic kinase affecting cardiomyocyte survival 4. The gene has also been identified as a potential diagnostic marker in atherosclerosis with rheumatoid arthritis 5 and as a risk factor for gout development 6.