LKB1 loss of function studied in vivo

Recent developments have placed the serine/threonine kinase LKB1 on the crossroads linking energy metabolism, cell structure and cancer progression and that its deletion can affect tumorigenesis, metastasis, cell adhesion and polarity. LKB1 can regulate a host of different functions which all have potential to impact upon the initiation and progression of neoplastic disease. To understand the phenotypic consequences of LKB1 loss in a range of different settings, a number of animal models of loss of function have been generated and analyzed. In this review we summarize recent data generated from a range of these models, which reveal clear tissue specific differences in LKB1 function in vivo and in the consequences of its loss. (C) 2011 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.