cyclinkinázok

Cyclin-dependent kinases, often abbreviated as CDKs, are a family of protein kinases that play a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle. These enzymes are essential for the orderly progression of a cell through its different phases, from growth to division. CDKs function by phosphorylating (adding a phosphate group to) specific target proteins, thereby altering their activity and controlling key cellular events. The activity of CDKs is tightly regulated by other proteins called cyclins. Cyclins bind to CDKs and activate them, forming cyclin-CDK complexes. Different cyclin-CDK complexes are active during specific phases of the cell cycle, ensuring that events occur in the correct sequence. For example, cyclin E-CDK2 complexes are involved in the transition from G1 to S phase, preparing the cell for DNA replication, while cyclin B-CDK1 complexes drive the transition from G2 to mitosis. The precise regulation of CDK activity is vital for preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation, which can lead to cancer. Dysregulation of CDKs has been implicated in various diseases, particularly in cancer development and progression. Therefore, CDKs are significant targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at treating cancer and other proliferative disorders. Research continues to explore the complex roles of CDKs and their interactions within the cellular machinery.