Protein kinases: Role of their dysregulation in carcinogenesis, identification and inhibition

Niloy Sarkar1,2, Amit Singh1,3, Pankaj Kumar1,3

  • 1Nano-Bioconjugate Chemistry Lab, Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.

Drug Research
|February 23, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Protein kinases regulate cell functions via phosphorylation. Dysregulation of these kinases is linked to cancer, but inhibitors offer therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Protein kinases, part of the phosphor-transferases superfamily, regulate cellular processes through phosphorylation.
  • The kinome, encompassing all protein kinase genes, is crucial for cellular function.
  • Mutations in the kinome can lead to protein kinase dysregulation, contributing to diseases like cancer.

Approach:

  • This review categorizes cancer-associated phenotypes and provides protein kinase examples.
  • It discusses techniques for analyzing protein kinase structure and their role in oncogenesis.
  • The review examines protein kinase inhibitors and FDA-approved drugs for cancer therapy.

Key Points:

  • Protein kinases play vital roles in numerous biochemical pathways.
  • Dysregulation of protein kinases is a significant factor in oncogenesis.
  • Targeting protein kinases with inhibitors is a key strategy in cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding protein kinase function and dysregulation is essential for cancer research.
  • Protein kinase inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic avenue for mitigating oncogenesis.
  • This review highlights the importance of protein kinases and their therapeutic targeting.

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