For over a decade, Dr. Laurent MEIJER academic team (in Roscoff marine station) has investigated the regulation of the cell division cycle using marine invertebrate eggs and embryos as biological models. This fundamental research has lead to the identification and extensive characterization of a class of regulators, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). These enzymes show multiple levels of deregulation in human tumors and this has conducted to use them as screening targets.
CDK mutations identified in human tumors (Malumbres & Barbacid, Nat. Rev. Cancer 2001)
Several pharmacological inhibitors have been identified, optimized and characterized. Many of these molecules are or are derived from marine organisms. Among them, the most advanced compound, (R)-roscovitine is currently in phase 2 clinical trials against non small cell lung cancer, head & neck cancer, and various B-cell malignancies.
CDK inhibitor (R)-Roscovitine
In the coming days, we will be posting a few articles relating the « Roscovitine saga », as well as the story of the first CDK inhibitors described. Stay tuned !