Serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK), also known as SGK1, is a serine/threonine protein kinase and a member of the “AGC” subfamily, which includes protein kinases A, G, and C. SGK plays an important role in activating certain potassium, sodium, and chloride channels, suggesting its involvement in the regulation of processes such as cell survival, neuronal excitability, and renal sodium excretion. SGK is rapidly induced in response to a variety of stimuli, including serum, glucocorticoid, follicle stimulating hormone, osmotic shock, and mineralocorticoids. SGK is also a component of the p38 MAPK-mediated response to hyperosmotic stress. In addition to its membrane channel and carrier functions, SGK1 also regulates a broad range of targets, such as GSK-3, NEDD4, iNOS, AMPAR, PSD95, Tau, NF-κB, CREB, and FKHR-L1.
