Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Method for Screening and Validation of Resistant Mutations Against Kinase Inhibitors
Published on: December 7, 2014
Promises and drawbacks of targeting cell cycle kinases in cancer
Francesca Pentimalli1, Antonio Giordano
1CROM Centro Ricerche Oncologiche Mercogliano, Avellino, 83013, Italy.
Abstract:
The loss of ability in controlling cell cycle leads to aberrant cell growth and is a hallmark of cancer cells. Cell cycle regulation and progression mainly rely on protein phosphorylation events, therefore cell cycle kinases have long been viewed as potential targets for anticancer strategies. Consistently, cell cycle kinases are often dysregulated in different types of human cancer. Despite years of research and attempts directed at inhibiting cell cycle kinases, none of these approaches has been successfully translated to the clinic to halt tumorigenesis. Here, we review several currently pursued strategies and highlight both current challenges and some recent findings, which might help to develop new, better conceived therapeutic approaches based on cell-cycle kinase inhibition.
Insights
Dysregulated cell cycle control drives cancer. Inhibiting cell cycle kinases is a promising anticancer strategy, but clinical translation remains challenging despite ongoing research and recent findings.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Loss of cell cycle control causes aberrant cell growth, a cancer hallmark.
- Cell cycle kinases regulate progression via phosphorylation and are often dysregulated in human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for inhibiting cell cycle kinases as anticancer therapies.
- To highlight challenges and recent findings in developing new therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on cell cycle kinase inhibition.
- Analysis of challenges and recent advancements in the field.
Main Results:
- Cell cycle kinases are frequently dysregulated in various cancers.
- Despite extensive research, inhibiting cell cycle kinases has not yet yielded successful clinical treatments for tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- New therapeutic strategies targeting cell cycle kinases are needed.
- Recent findings may guide the development of more effective cell-cycle kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment.
More Related Videos
10:33Development of Inhibitors of Protein-protein Interactions through REPLACE: Application to the Design and Development Non-ATP Competitive CDK Inhibitors
Published on: October 26, 2015
12:26Identification of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Specific Phosphorylation Sites by an In Vitro Kinase Assay
Published on: May 3, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
Inhibition of CDK Activity
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle