Studies using antibodies specific against cell cycle regulatory proteins have opened up many new avenues of cancer research. The mammalian cell undergoes 4 distinct phases during mitosis. Initiation is controlled by assembly and activation of the CDK proteins (Cyclin Dependent Kinases.) There activation is governed by phosphorylase modifications and the regulatory kinase subunit cyclins. Cyclins comprise two groups: G1 and G2, or mitotic cyclins. The G1 group regulates G1 to S-phase progression of mitosis, while the G2 cyclins control G2 to M progression.
The cyclins bind to CDK, leading to phosphorylation and inhibition of pRb, a tumour suppressor protein which controls progression from the G1 to S phase. Studies show this is partly done by the inhibition of the E2F transcription factors, which are known to encourage cell growth.
The proteins regulating the cell cycle are of interest in oncology studies, as both D-type cyclins and their co-partner CDK4 and CDK6 kinases are shown to promote growth of cancer cells. In normal cells, their activity is regulated by two families of CDK inhibitors. The INK4 family interact specifically with CDK4/6. The CIP/KIP inhibitors inhibit the entire CDK spectrum. Antibody studies into p16INK4A, cyclin D and CDK, and pRb/E2F interactions have shown that together they form the pRb pathway. One or more of these proteins may be deregulated in cancer, thus anti-CIP/KIP, anti-CDK and other products on our antibody database continue to play an important role in tumour research.
Western Blot: Cdk4 Antibody
We at Novus Biologicals have a large antibody database helpful for studies into cancer. Cell signalling, apoptosis and DNA-repair pathways are just a few areas where mutation and disruption can lead to tumour formation.
Novus Biologicals offers many CDK reagents for your research needs including:
