Regulation of cell cycle drivers by Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases

The last decade has revealed new roles for Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) in a myriad of cellular processes, including cell cycle progression. In addition to CRL1, also named SCF (SKP1-Cullin 1-F box protein), which has been known for decades as an important factor in the regulation of the cell cycle, it is now evident that all eight CRL family members are involved in the intricate cellular pathways driving cell cycle progression. In this review, we summarize the structure of CRLs and their functions in driving the cell cycle. We focus on how CRLs target key proteins for degradation or otherwise alter their functions to control the progression over the various cell cycle phases leading to cell division. We also summarize how CRLs and the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) ligase complex closely cooperate to govern efficient cell cycle progression.