CHK2 kinase--a busy messenger.
Checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) is emerging as a key mediator of diverse cellular responses to genotoxic stress, guarding the integrity of the genome throughout eukaryotic evolution. Recent studies show the fundamental role of Chk2 in the network of genome-surveillance pathways that coordinate cell-cycle progression with DNA repair and cell survival or death. Defects in Chk2 contribute to the development of both hereditary and sporadic human cancers, and earmark this kinase as a candidate tumour suppressor and an attractive target for drug discovery.
Bartek
J
J
Danish Cancer Society, Institute of Cancer Biology, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. bartek@biobase.dk
Falck
J
J
Lukas
J
J
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002453:Cell Cycle; D064447:Checkpoint Kinase 2; D015195:Drug Design; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D015398:Signal Transduction
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D011494:Protein Kinases; D064447:Checkpoint Kinase 2; C578634:CHEK2 protein, human; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases