PLK3

PLK3, known historically as PRK or CNK, is the stress- and cytokine-inducible member of the Polo-like kinase family. Unlike PLK1, PLK3 peaks in expression during the early cell cycle and G2, and it operates in checkpoint signaling rather than routine mitotic progression. DNA damage activates PLK3, which phosphorylates Chk2 and p53 and contributes to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis; it also mediates Golgi fragmentation during stress. PLK3 functions as a tumor suppressor in several malignancies and is frequently silenced epigenetically. Its roles in osteoclast differentiation and adaptation to hypoxia broaden its biological remit. Recombinant PLK3 serves checkpoint and signaling studies.