Role of DCLK1 in gastrointestinal cancer

Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), initially described in neural system, is a microtubule-associated protein that plays key role in the regulation of neural cell differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Recently, accumulating evidence indicates that DCLK1 may be an essential factor in initiation and progression of gastrointestinal tumors. Furthermore, this kinase induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and thus promotes tumor metastasis via microRNA-dependent pathways. Investigating the biological role of DCLK1 in tumors and specifcally blocking DCLK1-dependent pathways might be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of gastrointestinal tract tumors. This review highlights new fndings regarding the role of DCLK1 in tumor biology.