TOPK

TOPK, the T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase encoded by PBK, resembles a MAP kinase kinase in domain architecture yet operates outside the canonical three-tier cascades. It is kept inactive in interphase and is phosphorylated by CDK1-cyclin B at Thr9 as cells enter mitosis, after which it supports spindle function and cytokinesis. TOPK is highly expressed in testis and in activated lymphoid cells and is overexpressed in a broad range of tumors, where it contributes to proliferation, survival and resistance to oxidative stress through interactions with peroxiredoxins and other partners. The clinical candidate OTS514 targets TOPK and causes mitotic arrest and tumor regression in preclinical models.