Research progress on anti-tumor mechanism of TAOK kinases

Thousand and one amino-acid protein kinases(TAOKs), as a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, has recently attracted widespread attention in the field of anti-cancer research. There are three members of this subfamily: TAOK1, TAOK2, and TAOK3. Studies have shown that members of the TAOK family participate in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion through various pathways, thereby playing an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. This review summarizes the functions of TAOK kinases in tumor cell signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and the tumor microenvironment, with a particular emphasis on its potential as a target for anti-cancer drugs. Future research will further elucidate the specific mechanisms of action of TAOK kinase in different types of tumors and explore its clinical application prospects.