Protein which inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase
This article is about the cell cycle protein. For the medical therapy, see
CDK inhibitor.
A cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor protein (also known as CKIs, CDIs, or CDKIs) is a protein that inhibits the enzyme cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and Cyclin activity by stopping the cell cycle if there are unfavorable conditions, therefore, acting as tumor suppressors. Cell cycle progression is stopped by Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor protein at the G1 phase.[2] CKIs are vital proteins within the control system that point out whether the processes of DNA synthesis, mitosis, and cytokines control one another. When a malfunction hinders the successful completion of DNA synthesis in the G1 phase, it triggers a signal that delays or halts the progression to the S phase. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor proteins are essential in the regulation of the cell cycle. If cell mutations surpass the cell cycle checkpoints during cell cycle regulation, it can result in various types of cancer.[3]