Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (EC 2.7.11.25) (COT proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase) (C-COT) (Cancer Osaka thyroid oncogene); Required for TLR4 activation of the MEK/ERK pathway. Able to activate NF-kappa-B 1 by stimulating proteasome-mediated proteolysis of NF-kappa-B 1/p105. Plays a role in the cell cycle. The longer form has some transforming activity, although it is much weaker than the activated cot oncoprotein (467 aa)