The present invention relates generally to chromosome maintenance and cell viability, and more specifically, to the identification of kinases the inhibition of which blocks telomere elongation. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating cancer. The methods generally comprise the administration of agents that interfere with the lengthening of telomeres in cancer. In a specific embodiment, a method of treating cancer in a subject by interfering with lengthening of telomeres in cancer cells comprises administering to the cells an effective amount of an inhibitor of casein kinase 1 (CK1), wherein the administration of the inhibitor leads to progressive telomere shortening in the cancer cell, thereby treating cancer in the subject. In another embodiment, the method can further comprise administering to the cells an effective amount of an inhibitor of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and/or an inhibitor of the MEK/ERK pathway.
