The role of MNKs in the development and progression of solid tumors and hematological malignancies has been widely discussed, particularly in the context of cap dependent translation, regulated by phosphorylation of eIF4E.
The first inhibitors of translation, drugs designed to target eIF4E, have been trialed in hematologic malignancies, while antisense oligonucleotides against eIF4E are also due to enter clinical trials.
Chromosomal translocations affecting the p300 and Cbp genes are the cause of hematological malignancies, and Cbp haploinsufficiency is a hallmark of the Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.