The Death-Associated Protein Kinase (DAPK) family includes members such as DAPK1, DRP-1, and ZIPK. These kinases possess serine/threonine kinase activity and structurally contain a kinase domain and multiple regulatory domains, such as a calmodulin-binding domain. DAPK is localized in various cells and tissues, including muscle, heart, and brain tissue, and primarily participates in regulating apoptosis and autophagy, among other biological processes. It exerts its effects by influencing cellular processes such as cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, and cell death signaling pathways. The expression of the DAPK gene is tissue-specific, and mutations or dysregulation of its expression are closely associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.