The MNK family, consisting of MNK1 and MNK2, are downstream kinases of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. They possess a kinase activity domain and a MAPK binding region, enabling them to phosphorylate target proteins such as eIF4E. These kinases are localized in the cytoplasm and partially in the nucleus, crucially regulating protein synthesis and cellular response mechanisms. MNKs play a role in various biological processes including inflammation, cell growth, and death. Their expression varies across different cell types and tissues and is subject to various stimuli and conditional regulation. Specific gene mutations or alterations in expression are associated with health issues such as cancer development and neurological disorders.