The cell cycle and its relevance to the urologist

We surveyed fundamental concepts of the cell cycle to help the average urologist better understand the molecular basis for specific aspects of urological disease.

Important publications that have shaped our current understanding of the cell cycle were selected for review. Definitions of key terms are provided in a glossary.

Cell proliferation, survival and programmed cell death (apoptosis) are the net result of a complex interaction of molecular signals that regulate DNA and protein synthesis. Many of the abnormal patterns of cell behavior that contribute to the pathology of malignant urological disease arise from disruptions in the molecular controls that normally regulate the cell cycle. Benign urological conditions, including cystic diseases and hypertrophy, also reflect abnormal growth that results from the disruption of cell cycle controls.

This review is designed for the clinician and for the nonspecialist who is interested in the science of the cell cycle and its regulation as it broadly pertains to urological disease. Recent advances in the understanding of cell cycle regulation are presented with clinical correlations illustrating how these processes are involved in coordinating cell growth and cell death at the molecular level.