The non-receptor tyrosine kinase ACK: regulatory mechanisms, signalling pathways and opportunities for attACKing cancer

Abstract

Activated Cdc42-associated kinase or ACK, is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an effector protein for the small G protein Cdc42. A substantial body of evidence has accumulated in the past few years heavily implicating ACK as a driver of oncogenic processes. Concomitantly, more is also being revealed regarding the signalling pathways involving ACK and molecular details of its modes of action. Some details are also available regarding the regulatory mechanisms of this kinase, including activation and regulation of its catalytic activity, however, a full understanding of these aspects remains elusive. This review considers the current knowledge base concerning ACK and summarizes efforts and future prospects to target ACK therapeutically in cancer.