Cell Cycle

Abstract

Abstract Competency for proliferation and cell cycle progression are governed by complex and interdependent processes that support DNA replication and mitotic division. Genetic and epigenetic controls are operative. The architectural organisation of the regulatory machinery for gene expression is compartmentalised in microenvironments of interphase nucleus and at gene loci on mitotic chromosomes. The cell cycle requires selective expression of genes that encode cell cycle regulatory proteins. A broad spectrum of signalling mechanisms integrate and amplify growth‐related regulatory cues that mediate fidelity of cell cycle control. There are unique requirements for cell cycle control to support the rapid proliferation that occurs during initial stages of embryogenesis and continued renewal of stem cell populations. The cell cycle regulatory mechanisms that are compromised in cancer cells provide insight into control of transformation and tumourigenesis as well as serve as targets for therapy. Key Concepts: Competency for proliferation and cell cycle progression requires selective expression of genes that encode cell cycle regulatory proteins. Transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms mediate control of the cell cycle. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms support cell cycle progression. The regulatory machinery for gene expression that supports cell cycle control is architecturally organised and assembled in nuclear microenvironments. Unique mechanisms govern control of proliferation during early embryogenesis and for renewal of stem cell populations. Regulatory parameters of cell cycle control that are compromised in cancer cells serve as a platform for tumour diagnosis and therapy. Synchronisation of cell cycle progression supports identification of cell cycle regulatory parameters and mechanisms that are compromised in transformed and tumour cells. Regulatory mechanisms that control the cell cycle in yeast have provided valuable insight into cell cycle control in mammalian cells.