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Review
. 2024 Jun;45(6):478-489.
doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.010. Epub 2024 May 21.

TNIK's emerging role in cancer, metabolism, and age-related diseases

Collin Y Ewald  1 , Fadi E Pulous  2 , Sarah Wing Yan Lok  3 , Frank W Pun  3 , Alex Aliper  4 , Feng Ren  5 , Alex Zhavoronkov  6
Affiliations
Free article
Review

TNIK's emerging role in cancer, metabolism, and age-related diseases

Collin Y Ewald et al. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2024 Jun.
Free article

Abstract

Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) has emerged as a key regulator of pathological metabolic signaling in several diseases and is a promising drug target. Originally studied for its role in cell migration and proliferation, TNIK possesses several newly identified functions that drive the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Specifically, we evaluate TNIK's newfound roles in cancer, metabolic disorders, and neuronal function. We emphasize the implications of TNIK signaling in metabolic signaling and evaluate the translational potential of these discoveries. We also highlight how TNIK's role in many biological processes converges upon several hallmarks of aging. We conclude by discussing the therapeutic landscape of TNIK-targeting drugs and the recent success of clinical trials targeting TNIK.

Keywords: TNIK; Wnt; cancer; glucose; lipid; neurotransmission.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interests C.Y.E. declares no competing financial or non-financial interests. F.E.P., S.W.Y.L., F.W.P., A.A., F.R., and A.Z. are affiliated with Insilico Medicine, a commercial company developing and using generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other next-generation AI technologies and robotics for drug discovery, drug development, and aging research. Utilizing its generative AI platform and a range of deep aging clocks, Insilico Medicine has developed a portfolio of multiple therapeutic programs targeting fibrotic diseases, cancer, immunological diseases, and a range of age-related diseases.

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