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Published on: June 9, 2023
Protein kinase D signaling in cancer: A friend or foe?
Adhiraj Roy1, Jing Ye2, Fan Deng3
1Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Abstract:
Protein kinase D is a family of evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinases that belongs to the Ca++/Calmodulin-dependent kinase superfamily. Signal transduction pathways mediated by PKD can be triggered by a variety of stimuli including G protein-coupled receptor agonists, growth factors, hormones, and cellular stresses. The regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles of PKD have been well documented including cell proliferation, survival, migration, angiogenesis, regulation of gene expression, and protein/membrane trafficking. However, its precise roles in disease progression, especially in cancer, remain elusive. A plethora of studies documented the cell- and tissue-specific expressions and functions of PKD in various cancer-associated biological processes, while the causes of the differential effects of PKD have not been thoroughly investigated. In this review, we have discussed the structural-functional properties, activation mechanisms, signaling pathways and physiological functions of PKD in the context of human cancer. Additionally, we have provided a comprehensive review of the reported tumor promoting or tumor suppressive functions of PKD in several major cancer types and discussed the discrepancies that have been raised on PKD as a major regulator of malignant transformation.
Insights
Protein kinase D (PKD) plays complex roles in cancer. This review examines PKD
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Protein kinase D (PKD) is a serine/threonine kinase family within the Ca++/Calmodulin-dependent kinase superfamily.
- PKD signaling is activated by diverse stimuli and regulates key cellular processes like proliferation, survival, and migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural-functional properties, activation, and signaling of PKD in human cancer.
- To comprehensively analyze the dual role of PKD as a tumor promoter or suppressor across various cancer types.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PKD expression, function, and regulation in cancer.
- Analysis of reported discrepancies in PKD's role in malignant transformation.
Main Results:
- PKD exhibits cell- and tissue-specific expression and functions in cancer-associated processes.
- PKD has documented tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive roles, leading to conflicting findings.
Conclusions:
- The precise roles of PKD in cancer progression remain elusive and require further investigation.
- Understanding the differential effects of PKD is crucial for its therapeutic targeting in cancer.
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