Cyclin Dependent Kinase
Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are a family of enzymes that play a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle. They are activated by binding to specific proteins called cyclins, which vary in concentration throughout the cell cycle. Once activated, CDKs phosphorylate target proteins, leading to various cellular processes such as DNA replication and cell division.
The activity of CDKs is tightly controlled to ensure proper cell cycle progression. Dysregulation of CDKs can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and is often associated with diseases like cancer. Understanding CDKs is essential for developing targeted therapies in cancer treatment.