Polo-like kinase 4: A molecular linchpin in cancer and its management

Genomic instability and cell cycle dysregulation are considered hallmarks of cancer. Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4), a member of the PLK family, is essential for faithful centriole duplication, which, when dysregulated, contributes to genomic instability, cell cycle disruption, and cancer development. PLK4 overexpression has been correlated with progression, metastasis, and poor patient survival in multiple cancers. However, the in-depth understanding of signaling pathways and the regulation of PLK4 in cancers continues to evolve. Similarly, the strategy of PLK4 inhibition for cancer management is currently being actively investigated. This review discusses the existing knowledge on the role and function of PLK4 and its relationship with genomic instability and cancer. Additionally, we have summarized studies showing the association of PLK4 with multiple cancers and how its modulation affects cancer progression. Further, we have discussed PLK4 inhibitors and molecular pathways that could be associated with PLK4 and can open new avenues in cancer management.