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Updated: Oct 6, 2025

Characterization at the Molecular Level using Robust Biochemical Approaches of a New Kinase Protein
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Published on: June 30, 2019

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A review of Plks: Thinking outside the (polo) box

Julianna Korns1, Xiaoqi Liu2, Vinita Takiar1,3

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnat, Ohio, USA.

Molecular Carcinogenesis
|January 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Polo-like kinases (Plk1-5) regulate cell division and have non-mitotic roles. This review details Plk functions in cell cycle regulation, tumorigenesis, and emerging cancer therapies targeting Plk1.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The polo-like kinase (Plk) family, comprising Plk1-5, plays crucial roles in cell division.
  • Plk members also exhibit non-mitotic functions, impacting various cellular processes.
  • Aberrant Plk expression is linked to disease states, notably cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the structure and functions of all five Plk family members.
  • To elucidate the roles of Plks in both mitotic and non-mitotic cellular events.
  • To summarize Plk involvement in tumorigenesis and current therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Plk family members.
  • Analysis of published data on Plk structure and function.
  • Compilation of information on Plk-targeted cancer therapies.

Main Results:

  • Detailed summary of the distinct mitotic and non-mitotic functions of Plk1, Plk2, Plk3, Plk4, and Plk5.
  • Elucidation of proposed mechanisms by which Plks contribute to cancer development.
  • Overview of ongoing therapeutic investigations, primarily focusing on Plk1 inhibitors.

Conclusions:

  • Plk family members are critical regulators of cell division and have diverse non-mitotic roles.
  • Understanding Plk functions is essential for comprehending their contribution to cancer.
  • Targeting Plks, especially Plk1, presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Plk1Polo-like kinasecancerradiationtherapeutics

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