Journal : Eur J Med Chem
Title : CDK8 as a therapeutic target for cancers and recent developments in discovery of CDK8 inhibitors.
Year : 2019
Volume : 164
First Page : 77
Last Page : 91
Authors : Xi M, Chen T, Wu C, Gao X, Wu Y, Luo X, Du K, Yu L, Cai T, Shen R, Sun H.
Abstract : Cyclin-dependent kinases 8 (CDK8) regulates transcriptional process via associating with the mediator complex or phosphorylating transcription factors (TF). Overexpression of CDK8 has been observed in various cancers. It mediates aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is initially recognized and best studied in colorectal cancer (CRC). CDK8 acts as an oncogene and represents a potential target for developing novel CDK8 inhibitors in cancer therapeutics. However, other study has revealed its contrary role. The function of CDK8 is context dependent. Even so, a variety of potent and selective CDK8 inhibitors have been discovered after crystal structures were resolved in two states (active or inactive). In this review, we summarize co-crystal structures, biological mechanisms, dysregulation in cancers and recent progress in the field of CDK8 inhibitors, trying to offer an outlook of CDK8 inhibitors in cancer therapy in future.
