Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
Identification of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Specific Phosphorylation Sites by an In Vitro Kinase Assay
Published on: May 3, 2018
Targeting cyclin-dependent kinases in gastrointestinal cancer therapy
Jinduo Zhang1,2,3,4, Gang Su2, Yanyan Lin1,2,3,4
1Special Minimally Invasive Surgery Department, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
Abstract:
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play an important role in cell-cycle progression. CDKs are positively modulated by regulatory mitotic cyclins and negatively controlled by endogenous CDK inhibitors (CDKIs) cyclically as cells progress through different cell cycles of transitions. When activated by cyclins, cyclin-CDK complexes were able to facilitate the transition of cell cycle from one phase to the next, e.g., from G1 to S or from G2 to M. DNA damages may cause inhibition of CDKs leading to cell-cycle arrest, while unrepairable DNA damage causes cells to undergo apoptosis. Disruption of cell cycle progression is an important cancer hallmark to mediate uncontrolled cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Aberrantly expressed CDKs are causally linked to the development of gastrointestinal cancers, and as such, CDKs may not only form a class of potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal cancers. In this review article, we summarized the data from translational studies using CDKs as a target for gastrointestinal cancer treatment.
Insights
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate cell cycles. Targeting CDKs shows promise for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal cancers by controlling cell proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are crucial regulators of cell-cycle progression, influenced by cyclins and CDK inhibitors (CDKIs).
- Dysregulated cell-cycle progression, particularly involving CDKs, is a hallmark of cancer, driving uncontrolled proliferation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis.
- Aberrant CDK expression is implicated in the development of gastrointestinal cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review translational studies targeting CDKs for gastrointestinal cancer treatment.
- To explore the role of CDKs as potential biomarkers for gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of translational studies.
- Analysis of data on CDK involvement in gastrointestinal cancer.
Main Results:
- CDK activity is essential for cell-cycle transitions (e.g., G1 to S, G2 to M).
- DNA damage can induce cell-cycle arrest via CDK inhibition or apoptosis.
- Aberrant CDKs are linked to gastrointestinal cancer development.
Conclusions:
- CDKs are critical in cell-cycle control and cancer progression.
- Targeting CDKs represents a promising strategy for gastrointestinal cancer therapy.
- CDKs may serve as valuable biomarkers for gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:25cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:54Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...
01:26Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System
Here's a detailed walkthrough of this complex system:
01:20Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders