Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 and its inhibitors in antitumor therapy: research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

ABSTRACT

Cyclin-dependent kinase 8(CDK8)regulates transcription by binding to mediator complex or phosphorylating transcriptional factors. Recent studies have reported that overexpressed CDK8 leads to the development of colorectal cancer, breast cancer and hematological malignancies by activating Wnt- β- catenin, promoting the transcription of estrogen- inducible genes and inhibiting the expression of super enhancer-associated genes. These studies have indicated that CDK8 is a potential antitumor target. This paper briefly discusses the biological function of CDK8 and the regulatory mechanism of CDK8 on the tumorigenesis and its development, and reviews on the research progress in CDK8 inhibitors, hoping to provide a reference CDK8-targeting cancer therapy.