Checkpoint recovery in cells: how a molecular understanding can help in the fight against cancer

Dysregulation of the cell cycle is the underlying mechanism of neoplasia. Healthy cells prevent propagation of DNA mutations to progeny by activation of cellular checkpoints, which allows time for DNA repair. On the other hand, activation of the DNA damage response is also the general principle of many current cancer treatments. Thus, recent advances in understanding how checkpoints in the cell cycle work at the molecular level open the door to new approaches to antitumor therapy.