Polo-like kinases and UV-induced skin carcinogenesis: What we know and what's next

Prolonged and chronic exposure to UV radiation is a risk factor for multiple skin cancers. As the incidence of UV-associated skin cancers continues to rise, there is a pressing need for a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these pathologies. Polo-like kinases (PLKs), a family of enzymes consisting of five members (PLK1-PLK5), have been implicated in various aspects of skin carcinogenesis. The inhibition of PLKs is currently being explored as a potential strategy for cancer management. While much of the research has predominantly concentrated on PLK1, recent studies are increasingly shedding light on the role of other PLK family members, given their growing importance in cancer progression. Understanding the relationship between UV-associated skin cancers and PLKs could open new avenues for more effective management of skin cancers. In this review, we discuss the critical mechanisms associated with UV and PLKs in causing skin cancers, followed by the potential role of UV in modulating PLKs in different skin cancers. We also examine the prospect of targeting PLK signaling to enhance therapies for UV-induced skin cancer and improve patient responses. So far, there is not enough literature focused on the simultaneous effects of PLKs and UV using skin cancer models, emphasizing the need for further research to completely understand the role of PLKs in UV-induced skin carcinogenesis.