Non-Cell Cycle Functions of Cell Cycle Regulators

It has been over 40 years since the cell division cycle (cdc) mutants were first described and more than 30 years since molecular characterization of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) was first made. As cell cycle research becomes more in-depth and diversified, it is clear that not all cyclins and Cdks actively participate in cell proliferation regulation. In addition, non-cell cycle functions have also been identified for many other commonly perceived cell cycle regulators including those involved in various cell cycle checkpoints. These exciting discoveries in non-canonical roles of cell cycle regulators have been fueled by technological advances in genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, but also by traditional molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics extending into various model systems and pathophysiological conditions. To further advance the field and provide a broader forum for scientific discussion of non-cell cycle functions of cell cycle regulators, we welcome colleagues from different fields to contribute research findings and review articles to this Topic Series for publication in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. The areas of interest include but are not limited to:

• Molecular and biochemical features of non-canonical functions of cell cycle cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and related activating or inhibitory regulators.
• Structural and computational models that support exploring the non-cell cycle functions of cell cycle regulators.
• Genomics and proteomics studies on association of cell cycle regulators to non-cell cycle functions.
• Function of cell cycle regulators in differentiated tissues.
• Genetic studies in mammalian and non-mammalian model organisms.
• Imaging studies at molecular, cellular, tissue and animal levels.
• Clinical observations and case reports