Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) and hematological malignancies

Cell proliferation control is ensured by a group of proteins named cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), the activation of which is dependent on phosphorylation and cyclin association. In parallel, these CDKs are negatively controlled by two distinct groups of inhibitory proteins, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs). The first group, including p16Ink4a, p15Ink4b, p18Ink4c and p19Ink4d, is specific for the G1 CDKs, CDK4 and CDK6, inhibiting the kinase activity of cyclin D/CDK4-CDK6 complexes on pRb. p16Ink4a, down-regulated by pRb, inhibits G1 CDKs by competition with cyclin D; p15Ink4b, the synthesis of which is induced by TGF beta, seems to be a mediator of TGF beta-mediated cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, p18Ink4c inhibits CDK6 phosphorylation and activation by CAK. The second CKIs family is constituted by p21Waf1, p27Kip1 and p57Kip2. Their inhibitory action concerns a large range of cyclin/CDK complexes involved in G1 and S phase. p21Waf1, induced in part by p53, is up-regulated by senescence, DNA damage and cellular differentiation. p21Waf1 forms quaternary complexes with CDKs, cyclins and PCNA. Its inhibitory action, preventing CDK from phosphorylation, depends on the stoichiometry of the components. As p15Ink4b, p27Kip1 causes late G1 cell cycle arrest after TGF beta treatment and contact inhibition. The implications of CKIs in hematological malignancies are function of deletions or mutations of their genes. p16Ink4a and p15Ink4b genes, localized on 9p21, present frequent homozygous deletions in ALL T, ATL and lymphoblastic acutisation of CML. The other CKIs present very rare homozygous deletions or mutations, particularly p21Waf1 and p27Kip2. However, reduction of inhibitory activity due to hemizygous deletions might favour leukemogenesis.