Cell cycle regulatory proteins are a group of proteins that play a crucial role in controlling and regulating the various phases of the cell cycle. The cell cycle refers to the series of events that a cell goes through as it grows and divides into two daughter cells. It consists of several distinct phases, including G1 (gap 1), S (synthesis), G2 (gap 2), and M (mitotic) phases.
These proteins function as molecular switches, orchestrating the progression of the cell cycle by tightly regulating the timing and sequence of events. They do so by interacting with specific molecules, such as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which are key components of the cell cycle machinery. Cell cycle regulatory proteins either promote or inhibit the progression of the cell cycle.
The main types of cell cycle regulatory proteins include cyclins, CDKs, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs), and anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Cyclins and CDKs form complexes that drive the cell cycle forward, while CKIs act as negative regulators, halting the cell cycle progression. APC/C is responsible for the degradation of specific proteins, allowing a smooth transition between different phases of the cell cycle.
Dysregulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins can have severe consequences, leading to abnormal cell division or uncontrolled cell growth, which may result in various diseases, including cancer. Understanding the roles and functions of these proteins is essential for unravelling the complex mechanisms underlying cell cycle control and developing targeted therapies for diseases associated with cell cycle dysregulation.
