Cyclin D1

During the cell cycle of most somatic cells, DNA synthesis (S-phase) and mitosis (M-phase) are separated by two gap phases (G1 and G2) of varying duration. Thus, a typical eukaryotic cell sequentially passes through G1, S, G2, and M and back into G1 during a single cycle.12 Regulation of cell cycle progression in eukaryotic cells depends on the expression of cyclin proteins.13 These proteins are the regulatory subunits of the cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs), which are responsible for the phosphorylation of several cellular targets. Complexes of cyclins and CDKs play a key role in cell cycle control. Within the complexes, the cyclin subunit serves a regulatory role, whereas CDKs have a catalytic protein kinase activity.14 Members of the cyclin family of proteins combine with a CDK subunit to form the active kinase, which initiates G2 to M and G1 to S transition. The latter are controlled by cyclins termed G1 cyclins, which commit the cell to DNA replication. Therefore, the cell cycle can be considered as a cyclin cycle which is controlled by biochemical modifications and formation of complex(es) with CDKs.15 At least five candidate G1-phase cyclins, termed cyclins C, D1 , D2 , D3 , and E have been identified in mammalian cells. Each of these cyclins can associate with one or more of the CDK family members. D-type cyclins are induced during the G1 phase of the mammalian cell cycle in response to a variety of mitogenic growth factors. The three distinct members of the D-type cyclin family are differentially and combinatorially xpressed in various cell lineages. Once induced, the D-type cyclins accumulate in complexes with CDKs, whose kinase activity is thought to be necessary for driving cells into S phase. The major catalytic partners of the D-type cyclins are CDK4 and CDK6, but at least some D-type cyclins also interat with other CDKs, including CDK2 and CDK5. Cyclin D1- and D2-associated CDK4 and/or CDK6 kinase activities have been detected in mid-G1, prior to the activation of any other known CDK, and they culminate in late G1 phase. The cyclin D3-associated CDK4 and/or CDK6 exhibit kinase activities at the G1/S transition. Cyclins D1 , D2 and D3 can be distinguished by their slightly different mobilities on denaturing gels. Under these conditions, the apparent masses are 36, 33-35 and 31-34kD for cyclins D1 , D2 and D3 , respectively. Because D-type cyclins probably serve as integrators of growth factor-induced signals with the cell cycle clock, aberrant expression of these proteins might play a role in disrupting the normal timing of events governing G1 progression and, in so doing, contribute to oncogenesis. Indeed, a link between tumor formation and inappropriate expression of cyclins has been established.16,17 Overexpression of this protein as a result of chromosomal rearrangement, occurs in parathyroid tumors and centrocytic lymphomas, and amplification of the cyclin D1 gene has been observed in a significant percentage of other cancers, including breast, squamous, and esophageal arcinomas. Immunochemical techniques provide a convenient and sensitive method for detection of these cyclins in human tumor tissues. Such assays facilitate studies directed toward correlating the phenotypic subtypes and aggressiveness of particular human tumors known to exhibit cyclin D1 overexpression and enable studies with other types in which cyclins D2 and D3 are similarly implicated in pathogenesis. The availability of monoclonal antibody reacting specifically with cyclin D1 enables the subcellular detection and localization of cyclin D1 and the measurement of relative differences in cyclin D1 levels as a function of cell cycle phase. Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot, Immunoprecipitation, Immunohistochemistry and Immunocytochemistry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1:200. Immunohistochemistry: paraffin. Microwave heat treatment is required for antigen retrieval. Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.