PLK4

PLK4, or SAK, is the master regulator of centriole duplication and the most divergent member of the Polo-like kinase family, replacing the canonical polo-box array with a unique cryptic polo box flanked by two divergent polo boxes. Acting at the procentriole assembly site, PLK4 phosphorylates STIL, SAS-6 and Cep152-type scaffold components to license exactly one new centriole per cell cycle. Strict autophosphorylation-dependent control of PLK4 levels prevents re-duplication; its overexpression drives centriole amplification, multipolar spindles and aneuploidy, linking it to tumorigenesis. The clinical-stage inhibitor CFI-400945 exemplifies PLK4 as an anticancer target. Recombinant PLK4 supports centrosome biology and inhibitor screening.