RESUMO
Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling plays a key role in governing various cellular processes, extending from cell proliferation and apoptosis to differentiation and migration. Due to this extensive involvement in the regulation of cellular function, aberrant TGF-ß signaling is frequently implicated in the formation and progression of tumors. Therefore, a full understanding of the mechanisms of TGF-ß signaling and its key components will provide valuable insights into how this intricate signaling cascade can shift towards a detrimental course. In this review, we discuss the interplay between TGF-ß signaling and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related NUAK kinase family. We highlight the function and regulation of these kinases with focus on the pivotal role NUAK1 and NUAK2 play in regulating TGF-ß signaling. Specifically, TGF-ß induces the expression of NUAK1 and NUAK2 that regulates TGF-ß signaling output in an opposite manner. Besides the focus on the TGF-ß pathway, we also present a broader perspective on the expression and signaling interactions of the NUAK kinases to outline the broader functions of these protein kinases.
