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PLK4: a link between centriole biogenesis and cancer

Radhika Radha Maniswami1, Seema Prashanth1, Archana Venkataramana Karanth1

  • 1a Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bioinformatics , Bangalore , India.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|November 25, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polo-like kinase-4 (PLK4) is crucial for cell division and centriole duplication. Its deregulation contributes to cancer, making PLK4 a promising therapeutic target for advanced cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Polo-like kinase (PLK) family regulates cell cycle processes.
  • Polo-like kinase-4 (PLK4) is essential for centriole duplication.
  • PLK4 deregulation is linked to altered mitotic fidelity and tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, expression, localization, and functions of PLK4.
  • To discuss PLK4 regulation by interacting proteins.
  • To explore PLK4's role in cancer development and therapeutic targeting.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PLK4 structure, function, and regulation.
  • Analysis of PLK4's role in cell cycle and cancer.
  • Overview of current pre-clinical and clinical PLK4 inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • PLK4 is vital for correct centriole duplication and mitotic accuracy.
  • Altered PLK4 levels (overexpression or depletion) promote cancer.
  • PLK4 inhibitors are under investigation for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • PLK4 is critical for maintaining genomic stability in normal cells.
  • PLK4 deregulation significantly impacts cancer genesis.
  • Further understanding of PLK4 in cancer is needed for effective inhibitor design.
Keywords:
945CFI-400PLK4centriole duplication

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