MKNK2 (MAPK interacting serine/threonine kinase 2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates translation initiation through phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) 1. The gene produces two splice variants, MKNK2a and MKNK2b, which differ in their kinase activity levels and biological functions 2. MKNK2 functions as a downstream target of MAPK signaling pathways, particularly ERK and p38 1. In cancer biology, MKNK2 demonstrates context-dependent roles. In gastric cancer, decreased MKNK2 expression is associated with poor prognosis 3. Conversely, in colorectal cancer liver metastases, MKNK2 upregulation promotes tumor progression following insufficient radiofrequency ablation through the miR-1180-3p/MKNK2/CREB3 signaling axis 4. The MKNK2b isoform specifically acts as an oncogenic variant in colon cancer, where its expression is regulated by the splicing factor RBM25 and correlates with tumor growth 5. MKNK2 is also expressed in human dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia, suggesting potential roles in nociception 1. Additionally, MKNK2 participates in metabolic regulation, as its downregulation by rubusoside helps alleviate lipid metabolism disorders 6.