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CDK5 in oncology: recent advances and future prospects

Jimma Likisa Lenjisa1, Solomon Tadesse1, Nishat Zareen Khair1

  • 1Centre for Drug Discovery & Development, Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.

Future Medicinal Chemistry
|October 28, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) is key for cancer therapy. This review focuses on CDK5 (cyclin-dependent kinase 5), exploring its role in cancer and potential as a drug target for developing novel cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are critical regulators of the cell cycle, and their dysregulation is implicated in cancer.
  • CDK5, traditionally known for its role in neurobiology, is increasingly recognized for its involvement in various cancers.
  • Aberrant CDK5 expression is linked to the initiation and progression of both solid tumors and hematological malignancies, as well as cancer stem cell regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of CDK5 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
  • To highlight the role of CDK5 in oncogenesis and cancer stem cell biology.
  • To provide insights into the development of selective CDK5 inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on CDK5 in cancer.
  • Analysis of CDK5's role in different cancer types and cancer stem cell regulation.
  • Discussion of strategies for designing potent and selective CDK5 inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • CDK5 plays a significant role in the development and progression of multiple cancers.
  • CDK5 is implicated in the maintenance and function of cancer stem cells.
  • The development of selective CDK5 inhibitors presents a promising therapeutic avenue.

Conclusions:

  • CDK5 is an attractive and druggable target for novel cancer therapies.
  • Targeting CDK5 may offer a new strategy for treating various malignancies, including those resistant to conventional therapies.
  • Further research into selective CDK5 inhibition is warranted to translate this potential into clinical benefits.
Keywords:
CDKCDK5 inhibitorscancercancer hallmarksp25p35targeted cancer therapy

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