This gene encodes a Ser/Thr protein kinase that interacts with, and is activated by ERK1 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, and thus may play a role in the response to environmental stress and cytokines. This kinase may also regulate transcription by phosphorylating eIF4E via interaction with the C-terminal region of eIF4G. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been noted for this gene.,MNK1,MKNK1,Angiogenesis,Cardiovascular,Epigenetics & Nuclear Signaling,Kinase,Kinase_Serine/threonine kinases,MAPK-Erk Signaling Pathway,MAPK-P38 Signaling Pathway,Phospholipase Signaling Pathway,Protein phosphorylation,Signal Transduction,Translation Control,Translational Control_Regulation of eIF4 and p70 S6 Kinase,MKNK1