Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Studying RNA Interactors of Protein Kinase RNA-Activated during the Mammalian Cell Cycle
10:05

Studying RNA Interactors of Protein Kinase RNA-Activated during the Mammalian Cell Cycle

Published on: March 5, 2019

6.6K

DNA-PKcs: A Targetable Protumorigenic Protein Kinase

Emanuela Dylgjeri1,2, Karen E Knudsen1,2,3,4,5

  • 1Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Cancer Research
|December 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is crucial in cancer. Targeting DNA-PKcs shows promise in new cancer therapies, with ongoing clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is a key kinase involved in fundamental cellular processes.
  • Deregulation of DNA-PKcs expression and activity is common in various hematologic and solid tumors, correlating with poor patient outcomes.
  • The significant role of DNA-PKcs in cancer development and progression necessitates further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest advancements concerning DNA-PKcs functions in cancer.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of DNA-PKcs roles in oncogenesis.
  • To update on the clinical evaluation of DNA-PK inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of scientific publications on DNA-PKcs.
  • Synthesis of current research on DNA-PK inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • DNA-PKcs is implicated in critical cellular functions relevant to cancer.
  • Aberrant DNA-PKcs activity is a hallmark of numerous cancers, impacting prognosis.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting DNA-PKcs are under active investigation.

Conclusions:

  • DNA-PKcs is a significant therapeutic target in oncology.
  • Ongoing clinical trials are assessing the efficacy of DNA-PK inhibitors.
  • Targeting DNA-PKcs represents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.

More Related Videos

Identification of Novel CK2 Kinase Substrates Using a Versatile Biochemical Approach11:11

Identification of Novel CK2 Kinase Substrates Using a Versatile Biochemical Approach

Published on: February 21, 2019

7.6K
Assessment of Mitochondrial Functions and Cell Viability in Renal Cells Overexpressing Protein Kinase C Isozymes15:43

Assessment of Mitochondrial Functions and Cell Viability in Renal Cells Overexpressing Protein Kinase C Isozymes

Published on: January 7, 2013

18.3K

Related Concept Videos

M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis02:15

M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis

Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
5.7K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
4.1K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
5.0K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
4.7K
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle02:37

DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
9.5K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.9K