Dual roles of Nemo-like kinase in tumor development and progression

Nemo-like kinase(NLK)is an evolutionarily conserved mitogen activated protein kinase-like kinase,belonging to serine/threonine protein kinase superfamily.By participating in Wnt,Notch,FoxO and other pathways,NLK can regulate cell proliferation,differentiation,morphological changes,early embryonic development of vertebrate nervous system,and other biological processes.NLK is also a key molecule in tumor regulation and its roles vary in different tumors.In prostate cancer,non-small cell lung cancer,ovarian cancer,and breast cancer,NLK plays an inhibitory role,while it plays opposite roles in oral squamous cell carcinoma,hepatocellular carcinoma,and the bile duct tumors.