Overview:

PLK2 or Polo-like kinase 2 is a serum-inducible kinase that is a member of the Polo family of serine/threonine protein kinases which play an essential role in normal cell division (1). PLK2 phosphorylates the P4.1-associated protein (CPAP), a human homologue of SAS-4, in procentriole formation during the centrosome cycle (2). PLK2 may also play a role as a tumor suppressor since it interacts with TSC1 protein which in turn inhibits mTOR signaling, tumor growth and chemosensitivity under hypoxic conditions. Human lung tumor cells deficient in PLK2 grow larger than control tumors, and PLK2 interacts with endogenous TSC1 protein in these tumors.

Gene Aliases:

SNK

Genbank Number:

NM_006622

References:

1. Chang J, et al: PLK2 phosphorylation is critical for CPAP function in procentriole formation during the centrosome cycle. EMBO J, 2010 Jul 21. PMID 20531387.

2. Matthew EM, et al: The p53 target Plk2 interacts with TSC proteins impacting mTOR signaling, tumor growth and chemosensitivity under hypoxic conditions. Cell Cycle, 2009 Dec 15. PMID 20054236.