Cell proliferation-related genes

The term "Cell proliferation-related genes" refers to a broad functional category of genes whose protein products are essential for the regulation and execution of the cell cycle and cellular division [Hanahan, 2011]. This group is highly heterogeneous, encompassing growth factors, signal transduction molecules, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and enzymes involved in DNA replication such as topoisomerases [StatPearls, 2023]. In healthy organisms, the expression of these genes is strictly controlled to maintain tissue homeostasis; however, their dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer, facilitating autonomous and unchecked tumor growth [NIH, 2024]. While the term itself does not represent a single therapeutic target, many individual members of this set, such as CDK4 and CDK6, are the focus of modern precision medicine [PubMed, 2022]. Drugs targeting these pathways, such as CDK inhibitors or antimetabolites, aim to halt the proliferation of malignant cells by inducing cell cycle arrest or apoptosis [PubChem, 2024]. Consequently, markers of these genes, such as Ki-67, are frequently used in clinical settings to assess tumor aggressiveness and guide treatment decisions [Li, 2015].

Other names

Proliferation-associated genesCell cycle genesGrowth-related genesProliferation markers

Inhibition of cell cycle progression through various mechanisms including DNA synthesis inhibition, microtubule stabilization/destabilization, and competitive inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases [StatPearls, 2023].