Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) was initially described as a key enzyme involved in glycogen metabolism, but is now known to regulate a diverse array of cell functions.
The study of the substrate specificity and regulation of GSK3 activity has been important in the quest for therapeutic intervention. However, our knowledge of the biological roles of GSK3 is still in its infancy, and much further experimentation is still necessary, exploiting the improved methodologies and reagents that are gradually becoming available. The development of increasingly potent and specific inhibitors of GSK3 will have an important
impact in helping to identify the true physiological substrates of GSK3, as will the availability of mice that lack either one or both GSK3 isoforms.
Philip Cohen and Sheelagh Frame