Serine/threonine-protein kinase Chk2 (CHEK2)

Serine/threonine-protein kinase Chk2 (CHEK2) is a multifunctional enzyme and a key component of the DNA damage response (DDR). It acts as a tumor suppressor and plays central roles in cell cycle checkpoint control, DNA repair, apoptosis, and maintenance of genomic stability. CHEK2 is activated primarily in response to DNA double-strand breaks and subsequently phosphorylates various downstream targets involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Mutations in CHEK2 are associated with increased cancer susceptibility, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy research.

Other names

Checkpoint kinase 2hCds1RAD53CDS1 homologCHK2 kinase

CHK2 inhibitors (in development) aim to disrupt its kinase activity, leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in cancer cells with compromised DNA damage response.