Cell cycle related protein

The term "Cell cycle related protein" refers to a broad category of molecules that regulate the progression of a cell through the various phases of the cell cycle (G1, S, G2, and M), rather than a single specific target. This group includes key regulatory enzymes such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), their activating partners known as cyclins, and various inhibitors and checkpoint proteins like p53, p21, and p27. These proteins are essential for maintaining genomic integrity and controlling cell proliferation by ensuring that cells divide only when conditions are appropriate and DNA is intact. Dysregulation of these proteins, often through the overexpression of CDKs or cyclins or the loss of inhibitory proteins, is a fundamental hallmark of cancer, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Consequently, the cell cycle machinery is a major focus of oncology drug development, with CDK4/6 inhibitors like palbociclib being successfully used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. In specific research contexts, the term has also been used to refer to the transcriptional co-factor CREPT (also known as RPRD1B), which is an emerging target in cancer therapy.

Other names

Cell cycle proteinCell cycle regulatorCell cycle machinery component

Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) to induce cell cycle arrest, typically at the G1/S or G2/M checkpoints.