CDK INHIBITORS - ON THE THRESHOLD OF CHECKPOINTS AND DEVELOPMENT

The regulation of cyclin-dependent kinases is at the heart of cell cyc le control and, by inference, the control of cell proliferation. Recen t advances in regulation or these kinases have uncovered a group of sm all proteins that bind to and inhibit them, thus preventing cell cycle progression. Linking these proteins to tumor suppressor functions has provided a much sought after connection between cancer and cell cycle control.