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p21: structure and functions associated with cyclin-CDK binding

K L Ball1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Institute, University of Dundee, UK.

Progress in Cell Cycle Research
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 is crucial for cellular response to damage. It regulates cell growth by interacting with key proteins, especially cyclin-dependent kinases.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • p21 is a key inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases.
  • It plays a critical role in cellular responses to negative growth signals and DNA damage.
  • p21 is regulated transcriptionally by the p53 tumor suppressor protein.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the multifunctional nature of p21.
  • To emphasize its role in coordinating cellular responses to growth inhibition.
  • To underscore the importance of its interaction with cyclin-dependent kinases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on p21 functions.
  • Analysis of p21's interactions with cellular proteins.
  • Examination of p21's role in cell cycle regulation.

Main Results:

  • p21 acts as a multifunctional protein.
  • It interfaces with various proteins involved in growth control.
  • Regulation of cyclin-dependent protein kinases is a primary function of p21.

Conclusions:

  • p21 is central to cellular growth control mechanisms.
  • Its ability to modulate cyclin-dependent kinase activity is essential for its diverse functions.
  • p21 integrates signals for cell cycle arrest and DNA repair.

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