p27kip1 contributions to cancer.

Abstract

Deregulation of the tumor suppressor p27kip1 (p27) has been implicated in a variety of human cancers, suggesting it might be a viable therapeutic target. Developing p27-specific intervention strategies requires understanding its role and regulation in normal and pathologic states. Although p27 has been extensively characterized as an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, disruption of this function is inadequate to explain its role in tumorigenesis. A more comprehensive understanding of p27 biology would facilitate development of therapeutic responses to p27 disruption in human cancers.