The Maternal Embryonic Leucine zipper Kinase (MELK) is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family. Initially identified for its role in embryonic development and stem cell regulation, MELK is overexpressed in numerous cancers, including breast, glioblastoma, and prostate cancer, where it correlates with poor prognosis. It participates in cell cycle progression, apoptosis resistance, DNA damage repair, and maintenance of cancer stem cells. MELK’s oncogenic functions are attributed to its interactions with key signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, Wnt, and Hippo, making it a potential therapeutic target.
MELK antibodies are essential tools for detecting MELK expression in research and diagnostics. They enable quantification of MELK levels in tissues or cell lines via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Recent studies, however, highlight controversies: while some evidence supports MELK’s critical role in tumor survival, genetic knockout models occasionally show no phenotypic changes, suggesting context-dependent functions or compensatory mechanisms. Despite this, MELK remains a focus in cancer biology, with inhibitors undergoing preclinical evaluation. Reliable MELK antibodies are crucial for elucidating its complex roles and advancing targeted therapies.