RIPK1 and RIPK3 - emerging targets in cancer?

RIPK1 and RIPK3 are homologous Ser/Thr kinases, which act in concert within the necrosome complexes to initiate a sub-type of regulated necrosis, termed necroptosis. Necroptosis has gradually emerged as a highly clinically relevant form of necrosis, which can be targeted therapeutically. Besides necroptosis, RIPK1 and RIPK3 have been implicated in other pathophysiologically-relevant responses, including regulation of apoptosis and inflammation. More recently, it became evident that RIPK1/RIPK3 pathways may be systematically altered in cancers. Status of these pathways may provide a prognostic value, and therapeutic modulation of RIPK1/RIPK3 signaling may represent a new strategy against various forms of human cancer.