Abstract

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine protein kinase participating in numerous pathways. Very important among them are cancer-related pathways, such as Wnt pathway and nuclear factor κB pathway. The recent findings concerning possible applicability of GSK-3 inhibitors as anticancer agents are summarized in this review, and controversies in the data are highlighted. The most actual concepts of GSK-3 inhibitor design are also thoroughly discussed.

Keywords: Glycogen synthase kinase 3, molecular design, cancer treatment, kinase inhibitors, Wnt pathway