Cell cycle controls: Potential targets for chemical carcinogens?

Abstract

The progression of the cell cycle is controlled by the action of both positive and negative growth regulators. The key players in this activity include a family of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, which are themselves regulated by other kinases and phosphatases. Maintenance of balanced cell cycle controls may be directly linked to genomic stability. Loss of the checkpoints involved in cell cycle control may result in unrepaired DNA damage during DNA synthesis or mitosis leading to genetic mutations and contributing to carcinogenesis.