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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Through the Looking Glass: Time-lapse Microscopy and Longitudinal Tracking of Single Cells to Study Anti-cancer Therapeutics
Published on: May 14, 2016
Cell cycle proteins as promising targets in cancer therapy
Tobias Otto1,2, Piotr Sicinski1
1Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Abstract:
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled tumour cell proliferation resulting from aberrant activity of various cell cycle proteins. Therefore, cell cycle regulators are considered attractive targets in cancer therapy. Intriguingly, animal models demonstrate that some of these proteins are not essential for proliferation of non-transformed cells and development of most tissues. By contrast, many cancers are uniquely dependent on these proteins and hence are selectively sensitive to their inhibition. After decades of research on the physiological functions of cell cycle proteins and their relevance for cancer, this knowledge recently translated into the first approved cancer therapeutic targeting of a direct regulator of the cell cycle. In this Review, we focus on proteins that directly regulate cell cycle progression (such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)), as well as checkpoint kinases, Aurora kinases and Polo-like kinases (PLKs). We discuss the role of cell cycle proteins in cancer, the rationale for targeting them in cancer treatment and results of clinical trials, as well as the future therapeutic potential of various cell cycle inhibitors.
Insights
Targeting cell cycle proteins offers a promising cancer therapy strategy. Many cancers depend on these proteins, making them selectively sensitive to inhibition, leading to new therapeutic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer arises from uncontrolled cell division due to faulty cell cycle proteins.
- Cell cycle regulators are crucial for cell proliferation and tissue development.
- Some cell cycle proteins are non-essential in normal cells but vital for cancer growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cell cycle proteins in cancer.
- To discuss the rationale and clinical trial results of targeting cell cycle proteins.
- To explore the future therapeutic potential of cell cycle inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on cell cycle proteins and cancer.
- Analysis of the physiological functions of key cell cycle regulators.
- Examination of clinical trial data for cell cycle-targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Cell cycle proteins like CDKs, Aurora kinases, and PLKs are implicated in cancer.
- Targeting these proteins exploits cancer's unique dependency, enabling selective inhibition.
- Recent advancements have led to the first approved cancer therapeutic targeting a direct cell cycle regulator.
Conclusions:
- Cell cycle inhibitors represent a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.
- Further research into cell cycle regulation offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting cell cycle proteins demonstrates a viable approach for selective cancer treatment.
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