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Updated: Nov 28, 2025

Development of Inhibitors of Protein-protein Interactions through REPLACE: Application to the Design and Development Non-ATP Competitive CDK Inhibitors
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Development of Inhibitors of Protein-protein Interactions through REPLACE: Application to the Design and Development Non-ATP Competitive CDK Inhibitors

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Angel or Devil ? - CDK8 as the new drug target

Dan Wu1, Zhaoyan Zhang2, Xing Chen2

  • 1School of Biological Engineering, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, 238000, PR China.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|December 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) is crucial in cancer development and treatment resistance, acting as both a carcinogen and tumor suppressor. Understanding its complex roles is key for developing novel CDK8 inhibitors for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) is integral to transcription regulation via kinase module formation and transcription factor phosphorylation.
  • CDK8 is implicated in cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to therapies like radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
  • Its dual role as a carcinogen and tumor suppressor, alongside involvement in inflammation and immune disorders, highlights its complex biological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current research on CDK8's physiological and pathogenic mechanisms.
  • To review the development status of compounds targeting CDK8.
  • To evaluate CDK8's therapeutic potential and guide future research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on CDK8.
  • Analysis of CDK8's role in various cancers and diseases.
  • Compilation of data on CDK8 inhibitor development.

Main Results:

  • CDK8's involvement in cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance is confirmed.
  • Evidence supports CDK8's dual role, acting as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor depending on context.
  • CDK8 shows promise as a therapeutic target for cancer, inflammation, and immune system disorders.

Conclusions:

  • CDK8 is a significant therapeutic target with potential applications in oncology and immunology.
  • Further research into CDK8's complex functions is needed to optimize inhibitor development.
  • This review provides a foundation for evaluating CDK8 as a viable therapeutic strategy.
Keywords:
CDK8 inhibitorCancer therapyCyclin-dependent kinase 8Mediator complexTherapeutic target

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