How does the cell cycle contribute to cancer development?
The cell cycle is a regulated series of events that leads to cell division. Several checkpoints exist within this cycle to ensure that cells only divide when conditions are appropriate. In cancer, these checkpoints are often bypassed due to mutations in key regulatory proteins like cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and CDK inhibitors. For instance, the overexpression of cyclin D1 can drive cells into the S phase, leading to increased DNA replication and cell division.
