Abstract
Breast cancer, a heterogeneous disease with diverse molecular subtypes, poses significant challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of cell cycle progression and have emerged as potential therapeutic targets. However, studies on CDK1 and CDK6 are limited. This study comprehensively investigated the gene expression, genetic alterations, DNA methylation, and prognostic significance of CDK1 and CDK6 using the TIMER 2.0, UALCAN, HPA, cBioPortal, Enrichr, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases. The results indicated CDK1 upregulation and CDK6 downregulation compared to normal tissues. Elevated CDK1 levels are correlated with a higher survival rate, whereas increased CDK6 levels are associated with adverse outcomes. The analysis revealed diverse alterations, emphasizing their oncogenic potential. CDK6 methylation varies with the disease stage and ethnicity, suggesting a regulatory role. Immune cell infiltration correlates with CDK expression, indicating its impact on disease progression. Co-expression analysis identifies related genes, elucidating molecular interactions. Functional analysis revealed the pathways involving CDK1 and CDK6 as potential therapeutic targets. In consolidation, the clinical relevance of CDK1 and CDK6 as prognostic determinants and therapeutic targets in breast cancer management is discussed. This multi-omics approach provides a comprehensive framework for understanding breast cancer pathogenesis and advancing precision medical strategies to improve patient outcomes.