Protein kinases are a type of enzyme that plays a critical role in cellular signaling and regulation. They are responsible for the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to specific amino acids (usually serine, threonine, or tyrosine) on target proteins, which in turn can activate or inhibit their function. There are hundreds of different protein kinases in the human body, each with a specific target and function. Dysregulation of protein kinase activity has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. As a result, protein kinases are a major target for drug development and therapeutics.
The dysregulation of protein kinases has been linked to a wide range of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. The Research Topic will focus on two disease categories:
1. Cancer: Many protein kinases are involved in regulating cell growth and proliferation, making them attractive targets for cancer therapies. Mutations in certain protein kinases, such as EGFR and BRAF, are commonly found in various types of cancer, leading to increased activity and uncontrolled cell growth. Targeting these kinases with specific inhibitors can help slow or halt cancer growth.
2. Neurodegenerative diseases: Protein kinases are also involved in regulating neuronal function and survival, and dysregulation of kinase activity has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. For example, the protein kinases GSK-3, MARK4, CKL-2, etc. are overactive in Alzheimer’s disease and have been implicated in the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of the disease. Inhibitors of the kinases overactive in neurodegeneration are being investigated as potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Kinases are an intensively studied drug target class in current pharmacological research. Recent advances in our understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying cancer cell signaling have elucidated a crucial role for kinases in the carcinogenesis and metastases of various types of cancer. Overexpression of kinases is directly implicated in the initiation, progression, and survival of various cancer types. Protein kinases are also involved in regulating neuronal function and survival, and overexpression and mutation of kinases have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Many kinase inhibitors are still in different pre-clinical stages; however, the rate of failure remains high. Extensive research is required to develop these inhibitors from bench to bedside.
In this Research Topic, we are welcoming submissions that cover, but not are limited to the following topics:
• Recent advancements in molecular mechanisms regulating kinase action
• Development of small molecule kinase inhibitors
• Natural compounds in kinase-mediated cancer therapeutics
• Kinase inhibitors in neurodegenerative disorders
• Structure-based drug development (SBDD)
• New strategies targeting kinase networks in cancer
• Tau phosphorylating kinases in anti-Alzheimer’s therapy
We accept different article types including Original Research articles, Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives. A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this
link.
