The cell cycle is a very complex and precisely controlled cellular process. It is not a surprise that transition between particular phases of the cell cycle as well as control mechanisms overseeing proper progress through the cell cycle must be embedded. Cyclin-dependent kinases with their specific cyclins carry out the transition between particular cell cycle phases. Dysregulation of their function may drive cell transformation and carcinogenesis by signaling a deregulated cell cycle, and chromosome instability. At the same time, the dependence of cancer cells on more functional drivers or corrupted repressors of the cell cycle causes increased vulnerability of cancer cells to diverse treatments by specific inhibitors. Nevertheless, resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy commonly develops during cancer treatment. Thus, the identification of new synthetic lethal combinations of drugs or genetic defects, and suitable biomarkers are critically needed for the exploitation of novel regimens to provide patients with more effective treatment management.
Thus, this Collection will discuss how the dysregulated progression of the cell cycle can contribute to cancer onset, development and resistance, and can be exploited to improve patient treatment.
