MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like) is a 471 amino acid protein that contains one protein kinase domain which is thought to be catalytically inactive. The gene encoding MLKL maps to chromosome 16 and is expressed as two isoforms which are produced by alternative splicing events. Chromosome 16, which is associated with a variety of genetic disorders, encodes over 900 genes and comprises nearly 3% of the human genome. The GAN gene is located on chromosome 16 and, with mutation, may lead to giant axonal neuropathy, a nervous system disorder characterized by increasing malfunction with growth. The rare disorder Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is associated with chromosome 16, as is Crohn's disease, which is a gastrointestinal inflammatory condition.
