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Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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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Serine/threonine kinase 32 family proteins: The potential multifaceted regulators in cancer

Longqiao Liu1, Yuan Feng2, Yang Liu3

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.

Translational Oncology
|November 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Serine/threonine kinase 32 (STK32) family members are increasingly linked to cancers. This review systematically examines STK32 expression, functions, and regulatory mechanisms in malignancies, offering insights for targeted cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The serine/threonine kinase 32 (STK32) family, comprising STK32A, STK32B, and STK32C, is a subgroup of AGC kinases.
  • Aberrant expression and dysregulated functions of STK32 kinases have been recently implicated in various human malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the expression and functional characteristics of STK32 family kinases in human cancers.
  • To outline the current understanding of STK32 kinases' roles, upstream regulators, and downstream effectors.
  • To identify key research areas and provide a rationale for developing STK32-targeted cancer therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of existing reports.
  • Analysis of publicly available datasets related to STK32 expression and function in cancer.
  • Synthesis of information on STK32 kinase biology, including regulation and effector pathways.

Main Results:

  • STK32 family kinases exhibit altered expression patterns in multiple human cancers.
  • Dysregulation of STK32 kinases contributes to various cancer hallmarks, including proliferation, migration, and survival.
  • Key upstream regulatory mechanisms and downstream signaling pathways influenced by STK32 kinases have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • STK32 kinases are multifunctional proteins with significant roles in oncogenesis.
  • Further research into STK32 regulatory networks is crucial for understanding their involvement in cancer.
  • Targeting STK32 kinases presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
CancerProtein kinaseSerine/threonine kinase 32Therapeutic target

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