Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases as potential targets in cancer therapy

In this review the authors discuss the expression and activation of a family of protein kinases known as the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaM-kinase) and the role that these kinases have in the activation of antiapoptotic signalling pathways. In addition, the authors outline a novel mechanism of activation of these kinases by oxidative stress. Founded on this novel mechanism of activation and the role that these kinases have in activating antiapoptotic signalling pathways, the authors propose that the CaM-kinases would make very good targets for sensitising cancer cells to certain therapeutic treatments. Furthermore, the authors discuss the role that these kinases have in cell transformation and in the regulation of the cell cycle. Based on these roles the authors suggest that inhibition of the CaM-kinases not only has the potential to sensitise cancer cells, but also has the potential to induce cytostasis in these cells.