TAM Kinases Promote Necroptosis by Regulating Oligomerization of MLKL (Molecular Cell)

TAM kinases are known for their oncogenic, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory roles. Najafov et al. discover an unexpected role for TAM kinases in mediating necroptosis, a pro-inflammatory programmed necrotic cell death. Mechanistic studies reveal that TAM kinases phosphorylate MLKL and promote its oligomerization, a step that forms a cell-membrane-rupturing pore.