Protein kinase CK2: An emerging regulator of cellular metabolism

The protein kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) exerts its influence on the metabolism of three major cellular substances by phosphorylating essential protein molecules involved in various cellular metabolic pathways. These substances include hormones, especially insulin, rate-limiting enzymes, transcription factors of key genes, and cytokines. This regulatory role of CK2 is closely tied to important cellular processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Additionally, tumor cells undergo metabolic reprogramming characterized by aerobic glycolysis, accelerated lipid beta-oxidation, and abnormally active glutamine metabolism. In this context, CK2, which is overexpressed in various tumors, also plays a pivotal role. Hence, this review aims to summarize the regulatory mechanisms of CK2 in diverse metabolic pathways and tumor development, providing novel insights for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of metabolism-related diseases and cancers.