title: Polo on the Rise-from Mitotic Entry to Cytokinesis with Plk1.
abstract: Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a key regulator of cell division in eukaryotic cells. New techniques, including the application of small-molecule inhibitors, have greatly expanded our knowledge of the functions, targets, and regulation of this key mitotic enzyme. In this review, we focus on how Plk1 is recruited to centrosomes, kinetochores, and the spindle midzone and what the specific tasks of Plk1 at these distinct subcellular structures might be. In particular, we highlight new work on the role of Plk1 in cytokinesis in human cells. Finally, we describe how better understanding of Plk1 functions allows critical evaluation of Plk1 as a potential drug target for cancer therapy.
authors.affiliation: Cell Division and Aneuploidy Laboratory, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, Clare Hall Laboratories, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3LD, United Kingdom. mark.petronczki@cancer.org.uk
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petronczki
authors.forename: Péter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lénárt
authors.forename: Jan-Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Peters
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D048749:Cytokinesis; D006801:Humans; D018386:Kinetochores / Q000201:enzymology; D008938:Mitosis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000628:therapy; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D021381:Protein Transport; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000097869:Polo-Like Kinase 1
chemical_list: D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D000097869:Polo-Like Kinase 1