This gene encodes a member of an adapter protein family that binds to several tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. The product of this gene has several SH2 and SH3 domains (src-homology domains) and is involved in several signaling pathways, recruiting cytoplasmic proteins in the vicinity of tyrosine kinase through SH2-phosphotyrosine interaction. The N-terminal SH2 domain of this protein functions as a positive regulator of transformation whereas the C-terminal SH3 domain functions as a negative regulator of transformation. Two alternative transcripts encoding different isoforms with distinct biological activity have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in human forensic autopsy cases using RNA sequencing demonstrated that the CRK was upregulated in a case of fatal insulin overdose, where it functioned as an additional adaptor/signaling molecule within the insulin signaling pathway [Nakao et al. DOI:10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102772].