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To control or to be controlled? Dual roles of CDK2 in DNA damage and DNA damage response

Qi Liu1, Jinlan Gao1, Chenyang Zhao1

  • 1The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.

DNA Repair
|November 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) plays a dual role in DNA damage and repair. Its activation aids repair, while inactivation causes damage, both stimulating the DNA repair response (DDR).

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a key regulator of cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and senescence.
  • Emerging evidence highlights CDK2's involvement in the cellular response to DNA damage and repair (DDR).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of CDK2 in DNA damage and DDR.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of CDK2 inhibitors as anti-cancer agents.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on CDK2 function in DNA damage and repair.
  • Analysis of studies involving CDK2 activity modulation (siRNA, inhibitors) and its effects on DNA damage and DDR.
  • Discussion of in vivo and in vitro experimental findings.

Main Results:

  • CDK2 activity is essential for effective DNA repair following genotoxic stress.
  • CDK2 inactivation can paradoxically lead to DNA damage and trigger the DDR.
  • CDK2 exhibits dual roles: promoting repair when active and causing damage when inhibited.

Conclusions:

  • CDK2 plays a critical, dual role in managing DNA damage and orchestrating the DDR.
  • Targeting CDK2 with inhibitors presents a promising strategy for anti-cancer therapy due to its impact on DNA damage and repair pathways.
Keywords:
CDK2Cancer treatmentDNA damageDNA damage response (DDR)

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