Cancer Stem Cell & Oncology Research

Cell Cycle Regulation in Cancer Stem Cells

Cell cycle regulation in cancer stem cells is fundamentally altered compared to normal somatic cells, enabling sustained self renewal and long term survival. These cells possess the ability to precisely control transitions between active proliferation and growth arrest, allowing them to respond dynamically to internal and external biological cues. Key regulatory checkpoints that normally prevent uncontrolled cell division are frequently deregulated, resulting in abnormal progression through cell cycle phases. Despite this deregulation, cancer stem cells retain selective control over proliferation to avoid exhaustion of the stem cell pool. This balance is achieved through coordinated regulation of cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases, and checkpoint proteins that govern entry into DNA synthesis and mitosis. Cancer stem cells often exhibit prolonged cell cycle phases or reversible arrest, contributing to population stability. Disruption of normal cell cycle timing increases the likelihood of replication errors and mutation accumulation, further driving genetic diversity. Importantly, cell cycle control is tightly linked to differentiation decisions, as exit from the cell cycle often precedes lineage commitment. In cancer stem cells, this link is weakened, allowing continuous propagation of undifferentiated states. Understanding cell cycle regulation at the biological level provides insight into how cancer stem cells maintain proliferative potential while preserving stemness characteristics.