Exploring the roles of the Cdc2-like kinases in cancers

The Cdc2-like kinases (CLKs 1–4) are involved in regulating the alternative splicing of a variety of genes. Their activity contributes to important cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and cell cycle regulation. Abnormal expression of CLKs can lead to cancers; therefore, pharmacological inhibition of CLKs may be a useful therapeutic strategy. This review summarises what is known about the roles of each of the CLKs in cancerous cells, as well as the effects of relevant small molecule CLK inhibitors.