PLK1 Inhibition: Prospective Role for the Treatment of Pediatric Tumors

Over the years, polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) has garnered great interest as a therapeutic target. The PLK1 is a member of a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase family that plays pivotal roles in mitosis, cytokinesis and DNA damage response in eukaryotic cells. In this review, we summarize the functions of PLK1 during cell cycle progression, its roles in human pediatric cancer and its value as a prognostic factor. Furthermore, we introduce the advances in pharmacological inhibition and the newly chemotherapeutic development of small-molecules to target PLK1 in cancer treatment. Finally, clinical trials with PLK1 inhibitors are briefly reviewed.