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Updated: Nov 7, 2025

Identification of Novel CK2 Kinase Substrates Using a Versatile Biochemical Approach
11:11

Identification of Novel CK2 Kinase Substrates Using a Versatile Biochemical Approach

Published on: February 21, 2019

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Targeting Protein Kinases in Blood Cancer: Focusing on CK1α and CK2

Zaira Spinello1,2, Anna Fregnani1,2, Laura Quotti Tubi1,2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Hematology Section, University of Padova, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Altered protein kinases like Casein Kinase 1 alpha (CK1α) and CK2 are crucial in blood cancers. These kinases are druggable targets, offering new therapeutic strategies for hematological malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Protein kinase activity disturbances are key drivers of cancer development and progression.
  • Both tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases are frequently altered in hematological malignancies, impacting cancer hallmarks.
  • Casein Kinase 1 alpha (CK1α) and CK2 are constitutively active, ubiquitously expressed kinases implicated in various biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the general features of CK1α and CK2.
  • To summarize signaling nodes regulated by these kinases in tumor progression.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting CK1α and CK2 in hematological cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on CK1α and CK2.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involving CK1α and CK2 in cancer.
  • Evaluation of current data on the therapeutic relevance of these kinases.

Main Results:

  • CK1α and CK2 are overactive in multiple myeloma, leukemias, and lymphomas.
  • Cancer cells exhibit a dependency on CK1α and CK2, termed "non-oncogene" addiction.
  • These kinases are not as critical for normal cell viability, suggesting they are "druggable" targets.

Conclusions:

  • CK1α and CK2 play significant roles in the progression of hematological cancers.
  • The unique dependency of cancer cells on CK1α and CK2 positions them as promising therapeutic targets.
  • Targeting CK1α and CK2 represents a viable strategy for treating hematological malignancies.
Keywords:
blood tumorsnon-oncogene addictionprotein kinase CK1protein kinase CK2survival/stress signaling

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