Cell proliferation marker

Cell proliferation markers are a group of proteins and molecules used to assess the rate of cell division, primarily in the context of cancer diagnostics and research [18, 20]. Key markers include Ki-67 (MKI67), Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), and the Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM) protein family [25]. These proteins are typically expressed during the active phases of the cell cycle (G1, S, G2, and M) and are absent in quiescent (G0) cells, making them reliable indicators of the growth fraction of a cell population [13, 25]. In clinical practice, the Ki-67 labeling index is a widely used prognostic and predictive biomarker for various malignancies, including breast, lung, and brain cancers [17, 18]. While traditionally used as biomarkers, several cell proliferation markers have emerged as potential therapeutic targets [1, 5]. PCNA, for instance, is a critical scaffold for DNA replication and repair, and its inhibition by agents like AOH1996 or ATX-101 can selectively disrupt cancer cell growth [3, 4, 7]. Similarly, experimental strategies targeting Ki-67 or MCM proteins aim to halt the fundamental machinery of cell division [12, 14, 16]. However, the primary challenge in targeting these markers is the potential for toxicity in normal, rapidly dividing tissues such as the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract [4, 7]. Consequently, current research focuses on identifying cancer-specific isoforms or stress-related functions of these markers to improve therapeutic windows [4, 14].

Other names

Cell proliferation markersProliferation markersCell cycle markersGrowth fraction markersKi-67Proliferating cell nuclear antigenMinichromosome maintenance proteins

Inhibition of DNA replication and repair machinery, disruption of chromatin organization, and induction of cell cycle arrest or apoptosis [3, 4, 12, 16].