Kinesins in Cancer Drug Resistance: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Targeting, and Translational Potential
TL;DR
Which kinesins have functional evidence supporting roles in treatment resistance, which represent potential biomarkers, and how these findings may guide the development of more selective therapies and patient stratification strategies are examined.
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer treatment often becomes less effective because tumor cells adapt and develop drug resistance. Kinesins are proteins that help cells divide and transport materials within the cell, but abnormal kinesin activity can also contribute to tumor progression and help some cancer cells adapt to treatment. This review examines how specific kinesins contribute to therapy adaptation and resistance in different cancer contexts. It also discusses whether kinesins can be used as markers to identify resistant tumors and whether blocking them could improve treatment. Current approaches include small-molecule inhibitors, compounds derived from natural products, rational drug combinations, and newer structure-based drug design methods. By bringing together evidence from different cancer types and experimental models, this review aims to clarify which kinesins have functional evidence supporting roles in treatment resistance, which represent potential biomarkers, and how these findings may guide the development of more selective therapies and patient stratification strategies.