Dysregulation of the protein tyrosine kinase LCK in lymphoproliferative disorders and in other neoplasias

Initially identified as a T-cell specific member of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases, Lck has become the object of intensive investigations which have revealed a key role for this kinase in the central processes controlling T-cell development, activation, proliferation and survival. Experimental evidence of the oncogenic potential of Lck, together with the identification of defects in the regulation of Lck expression or activity in T-cell leukemias, suggests that dysregulation of Lck might play a role in neoplastic transformation. Here we review the data documenting a potential role for this kinase in the initiation and maintenance of the transformed state in human cancers.