Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are a family of enzymes that play a critical role in the regulation of cell cycle progression. They are a key component of the cell cycle machinery, which controls the division and proliferation of cells. CDKs are serine/threonine kinases, meaning they phosphorylate target proteins on specific serine or threonine residues.
The activity of CDKs is tightly regulated by the binding of cyclin proteins. Cyclins are proteins that undergo periodic synthesis and degradation throughout the cell cycle, and they associate with specific CDKs at different stages of the cell cycle to activate them. The formation of CDK-cyclin complexes triggers a series of phosphorylation events, leading to the activation or inactivation of downstream target proteins involved in cell cycle progression.
CDKs are involved in various processes of the cell cycle, such as the transition from G1 to S phase, DNA replication, and mitotic entry. They ensure that each step of the cell cycle proceeds in an orderly and controlled manner, preventing aberrant cell division, DNA damage, and genomic instability.
Abnormal regulation or mutations in CDKs and cyclins can lead to uncontrolled cell division and the development of cancer. Therefore, CDKs have become significant targets for therapeutic interventions, and several CDK inhibitors have been developed as potential treatments for various types of cancer.
In summary, Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are a family of serine/threonine kinases that control cell cycle progression through the binding of cyclin proteins. They play a crucial role in ensuring proper cell division and preventing uncontrolled proliferation.
