Cyclin-dependent-like kinase

"Cyclin-dependent-like kinase" is not a standard, singular molecular target, but refers to a class of serine/threonine kinases structurally related to cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). This term is sometimes used in literature to describe subfamilies, such as the "CDC-like kinases" (CLKs), including Plasmodium falciparum cyclin-dependent-like kinase CLK3 (PfCLK3). These enzymes are involved in phosphorylation of proteins on serine or threonine residues, with specific members regulating diverse cellular processes including the cell cycle, transcription, and, for CLKs, pre-mRNA splicing[1][3][5]. In malaria research, PfCLK3 has been validated as an antimalarial target, playing a role in the parasite's RNA processing and being essential for multiple parasite life stages[5]. In the broader CDK family, activity is critical for cell cycle progression, gene expression, and cell fate, and deregulation is implicated in cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and other pathologies[1][3][9]. Several selective and pan-inhibitors of the CDK/CLK family are being researched as anticancer or antimalarial therapies[2][4][5][8]. Remarks on terminology: - "Cyclin-dependent-like kinase" is non-standard, ambiguous, and could refer to a number of related kinases in different species[1][3][5]. The term should be clarified for structured data; for example, use "Cyclin-dependent kinase 4" for human cancer targets or "Plasmodium falciparum cyclin-dependent-like kinase CLK3" for the malaria target[5]. - In human biology and cancer, "cyclin-dependent kinase" (CDK) is the canonical family and should be used in structured datasets[1][3][4]. - For malaria and parasitology, the full target should be "Plasmodium falciparum cyclin-dependent-like kinase CLK3 (PfCLK3)"[5]. If your intent is to map this to a canonical human target, refer to "Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)" with further specificity as needed. If the intent is Plasmodium, use the full PfCLK3 name. If mapping for database or structured purposes, clarify the species and specific isoform. Summary for structured information: - The canonical_name must be disambiguated to a species and specific isoform such as PfCLK3 or CDK4, as "cyclin-dependent-like kinase" is too vague and may refer erroneously to multiple entities. - is_incorrect: true (because the name is ambiguous, non-standard, and could refer to different targets; clarification is needed for correct mapping)[1][3][5]. - This category includes both the protozoan malaria targets (CLKs) and the broad human CDK family, each with significant functional and therapeutic importance, but requiring precise designation for structured data applications.

Other names

Cyclin-dependent-like kinase CLK3 (for Plasmodium falciparum)CLK3Cyclin-dependent-like kinase (generic, non-standard usage)

Inhibition of kinase activity (ATP-competitive inhibitors)[4][5] Disruption of cell cycle progression or RNA splicing (depending on target specificity)[5]