Tankyrases — members of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein superfamily — are involved in diverse cellular processes, including WNT signalling and telomere maintenance. Here, the authors describe the biology of tankyrases and the discovery of tankyrase-specific inhibitors, which could have broad clinical utility. The challenges that lie ahead for the clinical development of PARP family inhibitors in general are also examined.
- Jenna L. Riffell
- Christopher J. Lord
- Alan Ashworth
