The multi-functional calcium/calmodulin stimulated protein kinase (CaMK) family: Emerging targets for anti-cancer therapeutic intervention

Abstract

The importance of Ca 2+ signalling in key events of cancer cell function and tumour progression, such as proliferation, migration, invasion and survival, has recently begun to be appreciated. Many cellular Ca 2+ -stimulated signalling cascades utilise the intermediate, calmodulin (CaM). The Ca 2+ /CaM complex binds and activates a variety of enzymes, including members of the multifunctional Ca 2+ /calmodulin-stimulated protein kinase (CaMK) family. These enzymes control a broad range of cancer-related functions in a multitude of tumour types. Herein, we explore the cancer-related functions of these kinases and discuss their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.