The process of cell division is critical to the growth and development of an organism. As a fertilized egg develops into a mature organism, tissues undergo cellular renewal or commit to terminal differentiation and leave the cell cycle. Tight regulation of events controlling the cell cycle ensures the integrity of the genetic information and prevents aberrant or unscheduled cell division [ ]. Identifying the molecular nature of the mechanisms that control the cell cycle is crucial, since dysregulation of this process can lead to various diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity or degenerative disorders. However, we are still far from a full understanding of the mechanisms operating in the pathways that control the cell division cycle. This Special Issue is focused on some of the key players contributing to the regulation of cellular proliferation and the cell cycle, and how this regulation is altered in stressful or pathological conditions, such as cancer.
展开▼
