Checkpoint Kinase (Chk)

Checkpoint kinases (CHK1 and CHK2) are critical components of the cellular response to DNA damage and replication stress. These serine/threonine kinases are activated in response to DNA damage signals, playing pivotal roles in the cell cycle checkpoints that prevent cells from progressing through the cell cycle when DNA is damaged. By halting cell cycle progression, CHK kinases allow time for DNA repair, helping to maintain genomic stability. Dysregulation of these kinases can contribute to cancer development by allowing cells with damaged DNA to proliferate. Thus, CHK kinases are significant targets in cancer therapy, with inhibitors designed to enhance the effectiveness of DNA-damaging treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, by preventing the repair and survival of cancer cells.