Cdc2-like kinases (CLKs; CLK1–4)
are associated with various
neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic regulation, and viral infection
and have been recognized as potential drug targets. Human CLK2 has
received increasing attention as a regulator that phosphorylates serine-
and arginine-rich (SR) proteins and subsequently modulates the alternative
splicing of precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA), which is an attractive target
for degenerative disease and cancer. Numerous CLK2 inhibitors have
been identified, with several molecules currently in clinical development.
The first CLK2 inhibitor Lorecivivint (compound 1) has
recently entered phase 3 clinical trials. However, highly selective
CLK2 inhibitors are rarely reported. This Perspective summarizes the
biological roles and therapeutic potential of CLK2 along with progress
on the development of CLK2 inhibitors and discusses the achievements
and future prospects of CLK2 inhibitors for therapeutic applications.