[HTML][HTML] Targeting LKB1 in cancer–exposing and exploiting vulnerabilities

M Momcilovic, DB Shackelford - British journal of cancer, 2015 - nature.com
M Momcilovic, DB Shackelford
British journal of cancer, 2015nature.com
The LKB1 tumour suppressor is a serine/threonine kinase that functions as master regulator
of cell growth, metabolism, survival and polarity. LKB1 is frequently mutated in human
cancers and research spanning the last two decades have begun decoding the cellular
pathways deregulated following LKB1 inactivation. This work has led to the identification of
vulnerabilities present in LKB1-deficient tumour cells. Pre-clinical studies have now
identified therapeutic strategies targeting this subset of tumours that promise to benefit this …
Abstract
The LKB1 tumour suppressor is a serine/threonine kinase that functions as master regulator of cell growth, metabolism, survival and polarity. LKB1 is frequently mutated in human cancers and research spanning the last two decades have begun decoding the cellular pathways deregulated following LKB1 inactivation. This work has led to the identification of vulnerabilities present in LKB1-deficient tumour cells. Pre-clinical studies have now identified therapeutic strategies targeting this subset of tumours that promise to benefit this large patient population harbouring LKB1 mutations. Here, we review the current efforts that are underway to translate pre-clinical discovery of therapeutic strategies targeting LKB1 mutant cancers into clinical practice.
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