cellcykelarrest

Cell cycle arrest, also known as cell cycle checkpoint, is a regulatory mechanism that ensures the integrity of the genetic material and the proper progression of cells through the cell cycle. The cell cycle is a series of events that cells undergo to grow, replicate their DNA, and divide. Cell cycle arrest occurs when a cell detects an error or damage in its DNA, such as a double-strand break or replication fork collapse. This detection is typically mediated by sensors called checkpoint kinases, which activate downstream signaling pathways that lead to cell cycle arrest.

There are two main types of cell cycle arrest: G1/S arrest and G2/M arrest. G1/S arrest occurs in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, before DNA synthesis, while G2/M arrest occurs in the G2 phase, after DNA synthesis but before mitosis. During cell cycle arrest, cells can undergo several responses, including DNA repair, cell death (apoptosis), or senescence, depending on the severity of the damage and the cell type. Cell cycle arrest is crucial for maintaining genomic stability and preventing the propagation of genetic errors to daughter cells. It is a well-conserved mechanism across eukaryotic organisms and plays a critical role in various biological processes, such as development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer progression.