Fig. 1

Role of CDK12 in cancer. a CDK12 has the tumor-suppressive properties. CDK12 loss-of function mutations lead to decreased expression of HR genes resulting in genomic instability and tumorigenesis. CDK12 loss or inhibition sensitizes tumor cells to PARP1/2 inhibitors. b CDK12 has oncogenic properties. CDK12 amplification might lead to increased expression of various oncogenes and consequently participate in tumorigenesis. Therefore targeting CDK12 with specific inhibitors in these tumors could be beneficiary for patient treatment