Scoping Pleiotropy of CK2 in Musculoskeletal Disorders for a Novel Targeting Approach

Abstract

Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) influences one-fifth of the cellular phosphoproteome. It regulates almost all cellular pathways and is thus a critical switch between biological processes within a cell. Inhibition of CK2 reverses oncogene addiction of tumor and alters tumor microenvironment. The success of this strategy and its clinical translation opens new opportunities. Targeting CK2 in musculoskeletal disorders is promising. Clinical manifestations of these disorders include dysfunctional inflammation, dysregulated cell differentiation, and senescence. Processes regulated by CK2 include all of these. Its emerging role in senescence also indicates its function’s centrality in cellular metabolism. This review summarizes considerations for targeting CK2 in musculoskeletal disorders. We have discussed the implications of CK2-regulated processes in musculoskeletal disorders.