Casein kinase II subunit alpha (CK2 alpha) (CK2 alpha)

Casein kinase II subunit alpha (CK2 alpha) is the catalytic component of the constitutively active serine/threonine-protein kinase CK2, a highly conserved and ubiquitous enzyme involved in a vast array of cellular processes [1.1.1, 1.2.1]. It typically functions within a heterotetrameric complex consisting of two catalytic subunits (alpha and/or alpha-prime) and two regulatory beta subunits, though the alpha subunit can also exhibit independent catalytic activity [1.1.1, 1.3.1]. CK2 alpha plays a pivotal role in regulating cell cycle progression, apoptosis, DNA repair, and transcription by phosphorylating hundreds of substrates, including p53, Akt, and NF-kappaB [1.2.1, 1.5.3]. Its overexpression is a hallmark of numerous cancers, where it promotes cell survival and confers resistance to apoptosis, leading to the concept of "CK2 addiction" in malignant cells [1.1.2, 1.3.1]. Beyond oncology, CK2 alpha is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, viral infections (including SARS-CoV-2), and inflammatory conditions [1.3.2, 1.4.3]. Therapeutic targeting of CK2 alpha primarily involves ATP-competitive small molecule inhibitors like silmitasertib (CX-4945), which are being evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and modulate inflammatory responses [1.3.1, 1.5.3].

Other names

CSNK2A1CK2A1CK II alphaCasein kinase 2 alpha 1CK2 catalytic subunit alphaCasein kinase 2, alpha 1 polypeptide

ATP-competitive inhibition of the catalytic subunit alpha