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MELK: a potential novel therapeutic target for TNBC and other aggressive malignancies

Mary Kathryn Pitner1, Juliana M Taliaferro2, Kevin N Dalby2

  • 1a Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|August 3, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) shows promise as a therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Further research into MELK inhibitors and its substrates is needed to develop effective TNBC treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapy options.
  • Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is implicated in various cancer types.
  • MELK plays a role in key cancer processes like proliferation and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of MELK in cancer.
  • To evaluate MELK as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
  • To identify challenges and future directions for MELK-targeted therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MELK's biological functions.
  • Analysis of MELK's role in proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell phenotypes, EMT, metastasis, and therapy resistance.
  • Examination of existing data on MELK's clinical significance.

Main Results:

  • MELK is involved in critical cancer cell behaviors, including proliferation and metastasis.
  • Correlative and functional data support MELK's role in cancer.
  • Targeting MELK may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

Conclusions:

  • MELK inhibition presents a potential therapeutic avenue for TNBC.
  • Further research is required to develop potent and specific MELK inhibitors.
  • Understanding MELK's downstream targets is crucial for patient selection and combination therapies.
Keywords:
Breast cancerEMTMELKTNBCcancer stem cellsmetastasistherapy resistance

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