CDK5 and ABL1 enzyme substrate 2 (CABLES2)

CDK5 and ABL1 enzyme substrate 2 (CABLES2) is an adapter protein that interacts directly with cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), primarily CDK3, CDK5, and the tyrosine kinase ABL1. It plays an important role in regulating cell cycle progression, promoting and modulating apoptosis through p53-dependent and independent pathways, and acts as a signaling hub by linking kinase cascades with key cell fate decisions. CABLES2 is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues and is essential for mouse embryonic development; complete deletion causes lethal growth defects due to disruption of both the Wnt/β-catenin and p53 signaling pathways. While its paralog CABLES1 has been established as a tumor suppressor in multiple cancers, CABLES2 is a recently identified susceptibility gene in colorectal cancer and likely shares some tumor suppressive and cell regulatory properties. CABLES2 can physically interact with β-catenin and activate Wnt target gene transcription in vitro, and its loss enhances apoptosis and disrupts normal development. However, no clinical drugs currently target CABLES2 directly, and therapeutic targeting would require caution due to fundamental roles in cell cycle and organismal development.

Other names

IK3-2C20orf150DJ908M14.2Interactor with CDK3 2ik3-2dJ908M14.2

Not directly applicable; no specific drugs targeting CABLES2 are known. If developed, mechanism might involve modulation of cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction (via p53), or inhibition/activation of Wnt/β-catenin transcription, through blocking or mimicking CABLES2-protein interactions.