Doublecortin‑like kinase 1 (DCLK1) has been identified as a novel biomarker of cancer stem cells among several different cancer types, including colon, breast, pancreas, kidney, liver, stomach and esophageal cancers. Studies have demonstrated that DCLK1 regulates tumorigenesis and epithelial‑mesenchymal transformation via several important pathways, such as Notch, Wnt/β‑catenin, RAS and multiple microRNAs. The function and biological mechanisms, including their association with the molecular structure and isoforms of DCLK1, are gradually being elucidated. However, the currently available knowledge regarding DCLK1 in terms of developing effective anti‑cancer drugs remains incomplete. In the present review, the molecular characteristics, biomarker function and biological mechanisms of DCLK1 are summarized and DCLK1 is proposed as a potential anti‑tumor target via the glucose metabolism pathway.
Keywords: cancer stem cells; doublecortin‑like kinase 1; metabolism; molecular structure and function; signaling pathway.