Targeting polo-like kinase 1 for cancer therapy

Nat Rev Cancer. 2006 Apr;6(4):321-30. doi: 10.1038/nrc1841.

Abstract

Human polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is essential during mitosis and in the maintenance of genomic stability. PLK1 is overexpressed in human tumours and has prognostic potential in cancer, indicating its involvement in carcinogenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target. The use of different PLK1 inhibitors has increased our knowledge of mitotic regulation and allowed us to assess their ability to suppress tumour growth in vivo. We address the structural features of the kinase domain and the unique polo-box domain of PLK1 that are most suited for drug development and discuss our current understanding of the therapeutic potential of PLK1.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Forecasting
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Humans
  • Mitosis
  • Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Polo-Like Kinase 1
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases