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CDK inhibition and cancer therapy
1Onyx Pharmaceuticals, 3031 Research Drive, Richmond, California 94806, USA. mgarrett@onyx-pharm.com
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|March 11, 1999
Summary
The cell-division cycle relies on cyclin/CDK complexes for control. Genetic alterations in these complexes are linked to cancer, driving the development of targeted CDK inhibitors for drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The cell-division cycle is a fundamental biological process.
- Regulation involves cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their partners.
- Precise cell cycle control is crucial for preventing errors in DNA replication and cell division.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of cyclin/CDK complexes in cell cycle regulation.
- To underscore the significance of CDKs, their regulators, and substrates as targets in human cancers.
- To emphasize the ongoing efforts in drug discovery targeting CDKs.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence linking cell cycle regulators to cancer genetics.
- Analysis of drug discovery approaches targeting CDK pathways.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence implicates CDKs, regulators, and substrates in genetic alterations across numerous human cancers.
- Numerous small molecule inhibitors targeting CDKs have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulation of the cell-division cycle through genetic alterations in CDKs is a hallmark of many cancers.
- CDK inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.