PLK4

Serine/threonine-protein kinase PLK4 also known as polo-like kinase 4 is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PLK4 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes a member of the polo family of is_associated_with::serine/threonine protein kinases. The protein localizes to is_associated_with::centrioles, complex is_associated_with::microtubule-based structures found in is_associated_with::centrosomes, and regulates centriole duplication during the is_associated_with::cell cycle.

As a cancer drug target
Inhibitors of the enzymatic activity PLK4 have potential in the treatment of cancer. The is_associated_with::PLK4 inhibitor is_associated_with::R1530 down regulates the expression of mitotic checkpoint kinase is_associated_with::BubR1 that in turn leads to is_associated_with::polyploidy rendering cancer cells unstable and more sensitive to cancer chemotherapy. Furthermore normal cells are resistant to the polyploidy inducing effects of R1530.

Another PLK4 inhibitor, is_associated_with::CFI-400945 has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of breast and ovarian cancer.

Interactions
PLK4 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::Stratifin.