Cell cycle regulation by the Cdc25 phosphatase family

Activation of cyclin-dependent kinases in higher eukaryotic cells can be achieved through dephosphorylation by members of the Cdc25 phosphatase family, Cdc25A, Cdc25B and Cdc25C. Cdc25A plays an important role at the G1/S-phase transition. Cdc25B undergoes activation during S-phase and plays a role in activating the mitotic kinase Cdk1/cyclin B in the cytoplasm. Active Cdk1/cyclin B then phosphorylates and activates Cdc25C leading to a positive feedback mechanism and to entry into mitosis. Cdc25A and B are potential human oncogenes. In addition, Cdc25 is a main player of the G2 arrest caused by DNA damage or in the presence of unreplicated DNA.