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Selective Targeting of RSK Isoforms in Cancer

Kimberly A Casalvieri1, Christopher J Matheson1, Donald S Backos1

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, V20-2102, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.

Trends in Cancer
|July 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family regulates cell growth and survival. Understanding RSK isoform functions is key to developing effective cancer therapies and overcoming chemoresistance.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family, comprising RSK1-4, are key downstream effectors of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
  • RSKs regulate critical cellular processes including transcription, translation, cell cycle progression, and cell survival through substrate phosphorylation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, function, and cancer-related roles of RSK kinases.
  • To explore the potential of RSKs in modulating chemoresistance.
  • To summarize the current development and limitations of RSK inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of RSK structure and function.
  • Analysis of RSK involvement in cancer growth, survival, and chemoresistance.
  • Review of existing RSK inhibitor development and their therapeutic challenges.

Main Results:

  • RSKs are highly conserved but exhibit functional differences relevant to cancer.
  • Targeting multiple RSK isoforms with current inhibitors may limit anticancer efficacy.
  • RSKs play a significant role in cancer cell proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct functional roles of RSK isoforms in cancer warrant further investigation.
  • Developing isoform-specific RSK inhibitors could enhance anticancer therapy effectiveness.
  • Modulating RSK activity presents a promising strategy for overcoming chemoresistance.
Keywords:
RSKinhibitorisoform-selectivekinase

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