title: Phytochemicals as cell cycle modulators--a less toxic approach in halting human cancers.
abstract: The multistep nature of cancer development provides a rationale for cancer prevention. Activation of oncogenes, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and modulation of mitogenic signal transduction pathways are critical in cancer progression and present attractive targets for cancer prevention/intervention. In this respect, cell cycle regulation and its modulation by various natural (plant-derived) and synthetic agents are gaining widespread attention in recent years. A number of phytochemicals inhibit cell cycle progression in cancer cells, yet their clinical applications are still in infancy. The present review is focused on the modulatory effects of phytochemicals on critical cell cycle molecules, and discusses how they inhibit proliferation and/or induce apoptotic death in cancer cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; School of Pharmacy; University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; Denver, Colorado 80262 USA.
authors.forename: Rana P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Sivanandhan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dhanalakshmi
authors.forename: Rajesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Agarwal
mesh_terms: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis; D016203:CDC2 Protein Kinase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D016203:CDC2 Protein Kinase