Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2025

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

Published on: February 21, 2019

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CSNK2 in cancer: pathophysiology and translational applications

Scott W Strum1, Laszlo Gyenis2, David W Litchfield3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Western University, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, ON, Canada. sstrum@uwo.ca.

British Journal of Cancer
|November 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Protein kinase CSNK2 (CK2) is frequently dysregulated in cancers. This review consolidates data showing CK2 upregulation and its role in cancer progression, supporting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Protein kinase CSNK2 (CK2) is a serine/threonine kinase implicated in various cellular processes.
  • CK2 is frequently dysregulated in both solid and hematologic malignancies, suggesting a role in cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and consolidate existing knowledge on CSNK2 in cancer.
  • To evaluate the biological and clinical significance of CSNK2 across diverse human cancer types.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical studies.
  • Analysis of CSNK2 expression, activity, phosphotargets, and phenotypic effects in 24 human cancer types.
  • Evaluation of clinical prognostic significance and response to CSNK2 inhibition in preclinical models.

Main Results:

  • CSNK2 mRNA, protein levels, and activity are routinely upregulated in cancer.
  • Key phosphotargets include AKT, STAT3, RELA, PTEN, and TP53, influencing apoptosis evasion, proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle.
  • CSNK2 has prognostic significance in 14 cancers, and its inhibition showed positive responses in 12 xenograft models.

Conclusions:

  • CSNK2 is a consistently upregulated kinase in cancer, driving key oncogenic phenotypes.
  • CSNK2 inhibition demonstrates preclinical efficacy, highlighting its potential as a cancer therapeutic target.
  • Further investigation of CSNK2 is crucial for advancing cancer biology understanding and developing novel therapies.

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