CDK

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a family of protein kinases that play crucial roles in regulating the cell cycle, transcription, and other cellular processes. CDKs function by forming complexes with cyclins, their regulatory subunits, which are essential for their activation. These enzymes control critical checkpoints and transitions between different phases of the cell cycle, such as DNA replication and mitosis. Dysregulation of CDK activity is commonly linked to cancer, as it can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Consequently, CDKs are prominent targets for cancer therapeutics, with several inhibitors developed to block their activity. Inhibiting specific CDKs can effectively halt the progression of cancer cells, making it a potent strategy in cancer treatment.