What are Cell Cycle Checkpoints and How are They Involved in Cancer?
Cell cycle checkpoints are surveillance mechanisms that ensure the integrity of the cell's DNA before progression to the next phase. There are three main checkpoints: G1/S, G2/M, and the spindle assembly checkpoint. In cancer, these checkpoints are often defective due to mutations in checkpoint regulators such as ATM, CHK2, and p21. These defects allow cells with DNA damage to continue dividing, contributing to tumorigenesis.
