Cell growth and division

Cell growth and division is a fundamental biological process encompassing the cell cycle, which includes interphase (G1, S, and G2 phases) and the mitotic (M) phase (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2023). This process is highly regulated by a complex network of checkpoints involving cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) to ensure genomic integrity (StatPearls, 2023). While 'cell growth and division' is a physiological pathway rather than a single molecular target, its dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer, where mutations lead to uncontrolled cellular proliferation (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Many traditional chemotherapies and newer targeted agents, such as antimetabolites and spindle poisons, aim to disrupt specific stages of this process to halt tumor progression (DrugBank, 2023). However, because these mechanisms are also vital for normal tissue maintenance, drugs targeting cell division often exhibit significant systemic toxicities, particularly in the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Other names

Cell cycleCell proliferationCellular reproductionMitosis and cytokinesis

Therapeutic agents targeting this process generally work by inhibiting DNA synthesis (S phase), disrupting microtubule assembly or disassembly (M phase), or inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) to induce cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis.