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. 2011 Nov 25:4:47.
doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2011.00047. eCollection 2011.

Emerging roles of glycogen synthase kinase 3 in the treatment of brain tumors

Caroline N Mills  1 , Somaira Nowsheen, James A Bonner, Eddy S Yang
Affiliations

Emerging roles of glycogen synthase kinase 3 in the treatment of brain tumors

Caroline N Mills et al. Front Mol Neurosci. .

Abstract

The constitutively active protein glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), a serine/threonine kinase, acts paradoxically as a tumor suppressor in some cancers while potentiates growth in others. Deciphering what governs its actions is vital for understanding many pathological conditions, including brain cancer. What are seemingly disparate roles of GSK3 stems from the complex regulation of many cellular functions by GSK3. This review focuses on the regulation of GSK3, its role in survival, apoptosis and DNA damage, and finally its potential therapeutic impact in brain cancer. A thorough understanding of this versatile protein is critical for improving the outcome of various diseases, especially cancer.

Keywords: DNA damage; NFκB; apoptosis and autophagy; brain cancer; epidermal growth factor receptor; glycogen synthase kinase 3; lithium; neuroprotection.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 modulates the function of key signaling proteins in the wnt pathway.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 modulates multiple signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Inhibitors of GSK3 can selectively protect normal tissues from radiation induced toxicities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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