Expression of a kinase inactive SLK is embryonic lethal and impairs cell migration in fibroblasts.

Kinases are known to have kinase activity independent functions. To gain further insights into potential kinase-independent functions of SLK/STK2, we have developed a kinase-dead allele, SLK using in vivo CRISPR/Cas technology. Our studies show that blastocysts homozygote for SLK do not develop into viable mice.