The Less Known Cyclins—Uncovered

Abstract

Cyclins belong to a group of proteins that are cyclically produced and destructed in a cell. Cyclins are a family of proteins that are a key component of the cell cycle regulating system, which level of expression depends on the phase of the cycle. Cyclins regulate the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk), thanks to which they influence the length of individual phases of the cell cycle and also determine whether the cell can enter the next life stage. Proper expression of cyclins plays an important role in processes such as proliferation, transcription, DNA repair and cell differentiation. However, dysregulation of their expression is one of the most important disorders leading to the development of different types of cancer, which suggests that cyclins can be defined as a prognostic marker. Currently, we may distinguish >10 members of the cyclins family participating in the division of human cells. The group of less known cyclins includes C, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, O, T and Y cyclins. The present report demonstrates the current state of knowledge considering less known cyclins and their role in normal and cancer cells.