Retinoblastoma-associated protein pathway (RB)

The retinoblastoma protein (pRb or RB) pathway is a crucial tumor suppressor pathway that regulates cell cycle progression, differentiation, and apoptosis. Dysfunction or loss of pRb function is implicated in a wide range of cancers. The pathway is centered around the RB1 gene and its protein product, pRb, which controls the G1 to S phase transition in the cell cycle by binding to E2F transcription factors. The activity of pRb is regulated by phosphorylation, primarily by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Therapeutic strategies targeting the RB pathway, such as CDK4/6 inhibitors, aim to restore or maintain pRb function, particularly in cancers with intact RB function.

Other names

pRb pathwayRB1 pathwayRetinoblastoma protein pathway

CDK4/6 inhibitors prevent phosphorylation of Rb, maintaining it in an active, growth-suppressive state.