Cellular targets involved in proliferation

Cellular targets involved in proliferation encompass a wide array of molecular entities that regulate the growth, duplication, and division of cells. These targets include growth factor receptors, signal transduction kinases, and core cell cycle machinery such as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) (Cooper, 2000). In normal physiology, these molecules ensure controlled tissue growth and maintenance; however, their aberrant activation is a fundamental hallmark of cancer, leading to autonomous and limitless cell division (Hanahan & Weinberg, 2011). Many therapeutic agents, including small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, have been developed to target these pathways to halt tumor progression. For example, CDK4/6 inhibitors are used to treat breast cancer by preventing cell cycle entry (O'Leary et al., 2016). Despite their efficacy, targeting proliferation often results in side effects due to the inhibition of normal regenerative processes in the bone marrow and gut (NIH, 2023). Monitoring biomarkers like Ki-67 or PCNA is common practice to assess the proliferative index of tissues and the effectiveness of such treatments (Li et al., 2015).

Other names

Proliferation-associated targetsCell cycle regulatorsGrowth signaling componentsMitogenic targets

Inhibition of growth factor receptors, blockade of intracellular signaling cascades (e.g., MAPK, PI3K), or direct arrest of the cell cycle machinery (e.g., CDK inhibition).