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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Oct 15, 2009; 1(1): 26-33
Published online Oct 15, 2009. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v1.i1.26
Potential of casein kinase I in digestive cancer screening
Cristina Modak, Jianyuan Chai
Cristina Modak, Jianyuan Chai, Department Research (09-151), VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, 90822 and the University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
Author contributions: Modak C wrote the article and Chai J revised it.
Supported by The Merit Review grant (the Department of Veterans Affairs of the United States) and the Grant-in-Aid (the American Heart Association) to Dr. Chai
Correspondence to: Jianyuan Chai, PhD, Department Research (09-151), VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 E. Seventh Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, United States. jianyuan.chai@va.gov
Telephone: +1-562-8268000 Fax: +1-562-8265675
Received: February 1, 2009
Revised: July 4, 2009
Accepted: July 11, 2009
Published online: October 15, 2009
Abstract

Casein kinase I is a group of ubiquitous Serine/Threonine kinases that have been implicated in both normal cellular functions and several pathological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Recent findings in colon and pancreatic cancer have brought tremendous attention to these molecules as potential therapeutic targets in treatment of digestive cancers. In this review, we summarize up to date what is known about this family of kinases and their involvement in carcinogenesis and other pathological conditions. Our emphasis is on their implications in digestive cancers and their potential for cancer screening and therapy.

Keywords: Casein kinase I; Colon cancer; Pancreatic cancer; Gastric cancer; Biomarkers