CDK4 and CDK6 kinases: From basic science to cancer therapy

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6) and their activating partners, D-type cyclins, link the extracellular environment with the core cell cycle machinery. Constitutive activation of cyclin D-CDK4/6 represents the driving force of tumorigenesis in several cancer types. Small-molecule inhibitors of CDK4/6 have been used with great success in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancers and are in clinical trials for many other tumor types. Unexpectedly, recent work indicates that inhibition of CDK4/6 affects a wide range of cellular functions such as tumor cell metabolism and antitumor immunity. We discuss how recent advances in understanding CDK4/6 biology are opening new avenues for the future use of cyclin D-CDK4/6 inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Automated summary

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6, along with their activation partners, D-type cyclins, play a crucial role in connecting the extracellular environment with the cell cycle machinery. Inhibiting CDK4/6 has shown success in treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancers and may have potential applications in other tumor types. Recent research has shown that CDK4/6 inhibition affects various cellular functions, including tumor cell metabolism and anti-tumor immunity.