Open AccessMELK—a conserved kinase: functions, signaling, cancer, and controversy
Author(s) -
Ganguly Ranjit,
Mohyeldin Ahmed,
Thiel Jordyn,
Kornblum Harley I,
Beullens Monique,
Nakano Ichiro
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
clinical and translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 2001-1326
DOI - 10.1186/s40169-014-0045-y
Subject(s) - carcinogenesis , biology , cell cycle , cell growth , embryonic stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , kinase , cancer research , signal transduction , stem cell , cell migration , cell , cancer , genetics , gene
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase initially found to be expressed in a wide range of early embryonic cellular stages, and as a result has been implicated in embryogenesis and cell cycle control. Recent evidence has identified a broader spectrum of tissue expression pattern for this kinase than previously appreciated. MELK is expressed in several human cancers and stem cell populations. Unique spatial and temporal patterns of expression within these tissues suggest that MELK plays a prominent role in cell cycle control, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, cell renewal, embryogenesis, oncogenesis, and cancer treatment resistance and recurrence. These findings have important implications for our understanding of development, disease, and cancer therapeutics. Furthermore understanding MELK signaling may elucidate an added dimension of stem cell control.