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Multiple functions of p27(Kip1) and its alterations in tumor cells: a review
A Sgambato1, A Cittadini, B Faraglia
1Centro di Ricerche Oncologiche "Giovanni XXIII," Catholic University, Rome, Italy. crogxxiii@rm.unicatt.it
Abstract:
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), together with cyclins, their regulatory subunits, govern cell-cycle progression in eukaryotic cells. p27(Kip1) is a member of a family of CDK inhibitors (CDIs) that bind to cyclin/CDK complexes and arrest cell division. There is considerable evidence that p27(Kip1) plays an important role in multiple fundamental cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. Moreover, p27(Kip1) is a putative tumor-suppressor gene that appears to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of several human malignancies and its reduced expression has been shown to correlate with poor prognosis in cancer patients. This study reviews current information on the functions of p27(Kip1), its abnormalities found in human tumors, and the possible clinical implications of these findings with respect to the management of cancer patients.
Insights
The protein p27 (Kip1) regulates cell division and is crucial for cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Reduced p27 expression is linked to various human cancers and poorer patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins control eukaryotic cell-cycle progression.
- p27 (Kip1) is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDI) that inhibits cell division by binding to cyclin/CDK complexes.
- p27 (Kip1) is implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions of p27 (Kip1).
- To discuss p27 (Kip1) abnormalities in human tumors.
- To explore the clinical implications of p27 (Kip1) in cancer management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current information on p27 (Kip1).
Main Results:
- p27 (Kip1) is a tumor suppressor gene critical in human malignancy pathogenesis.
- Reduced p27 (Kip1) expression correlates with poor prognosis in cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- Understanding p27 (Kip1) functions and abnormalities is vital for cancer patient management.
- p27 (Kip1) status may serve as a prognostic marker in oncology.