Abstract
Uncontrolled cell proliferation is the hallmark of cancer, and tumor cells have typically acquired damage to genes that directly regulate their cell cycles. Genetic alterations affecting p16(INK4a) and cyclin D1, proteins that govern phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (RB) and control exit from the G1 phase of the cell cycle, are so frequent in human cancers that inactivation of this pathway may well be necessary for tumor development. Like the tumor suppressor protein p53, components of this "RB pathway," although not essential for the cell cycle per se, may participate in checkpoint functions that regulate homeostatic tissue renewal throughout life.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Carrier Proteins / genetics
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Carrier Proteins / metabolism
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Cell Cycle*
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / metabolism
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Cyclins / metabolism
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G1 Phase
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Genes, Tumor Suppressor
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Humans
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Neoplasms / genetics
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Neoplasms / metabolism
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Neoplasms / pathology*
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Proto-Oncogenes
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Retinoblastoma Protein / metabolism
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S Phase
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Signal Transduction
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Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16
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Cyclins
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Retinoblastoma Protein
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Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinases