Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors.

Abstract

Cyclin-dependent kinases are involved in diverse cellular processes that include cell cycle control, apoptosis, neuronal physiology, differentiation, and transcription. Intensive screening and drug design based on CDK/inhibitor co-crystal structures and on SAR studies have led to the identification and characterization of a large variety of chemical inhibitors of CDKs. Although they all act by competing with ATP for binding at the catalytic site of the kinase, their kinase selectivity varies greatly and remains to be studied in most cases. The requirement for CDKs in many physiological processes justifies their evaluation as potential therapeutic targets against a much larger scope of diseases than initially anticipated.