ALKAL2

ALKAL2, formally known as ALK and LTK like 2 protein, is a receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the ALK/LTK family. Upon ligand-induced dimerization, it undergoes autophosphorylation, activating downstream signaling cascades including RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, which regulate cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation.
Aberrant ALKAL2 activation has been linked to malignancies like neuroblastoma and certain solid tumors, driving tumorigenesis. Targeted therapies against ALKAL2 are in early development: preclinical studies explore small-molecule inhibitors to block its kinase activity, while monoclonal antibodies targeting its extracellular domain are also being investigated for anti-tumor efficacy.