William Renthal

There exists an intricate network of proteins that continuously monitor each phase of the cell cycle to ensure proper replication. This network of proteins, termed checkpoints, first detects cellular abnormalities, and then coordinates their repair before the cell divides. The malfunction of these checkpoints often results in the proliferation of potentially damaged cells, and thus a tremendous susceptibility to cancer. This review will focus on the mechanisms by which checkpoints prevent the proliferation of damaged cells through each phase of the cell cycle, and how this understanding can provide novel targets for anticancer therapy.