Cyclins are a family of proteins that regulate the progression of the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). They are named for their cyclical fluctuations in concentration throughout the cell cycle.
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a group of enzymes that are activated by binding to cyclins. Once activated, CDKs phosphorylate target proteins, leading to the progression of the cell cycle. CDK activity is tightly regulated by the presence of specific cyclins at different stages of the cell cycle.
Together, cyclins and CDKs form a complex regulatory network that controls the orderly progression of the cell cycle, ensuring that cells divide and grow properly. Dysregulation of cyclins and CDKs can lead to uncontrolled cell division and contribute to the development of cancer.