Dyrk (for dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase) is the homolog of the Drosophila mnb (minibrain) gene, which is required for neurogenesis. Dyrk is a dual-specificity tyrosine kinase and serine/threonine kinase, which is itself regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Several mammalian Dyrk related proteins have been identified and are thought to compose a family of dual specificity protein kinases. Dyrk family members, including Dyrk1A (originally Dyrk), Dyrk1B, Dryk1C, Dyrk2, Dyrk3, Dyrk4A and Dyrk4B, are thought to be involved in diverse cellular functions. Dyrk1A is a candidate gene that may be involved in Downs syndrome, and it has been found to be somewhat overexpressed in Downs syndrome.