Cell cycle progression is controlled in part by a family of cyclin proteins and cyclin dependent kinases (Cdks). Cdk proteins work in concert with the cyclins to phosphorylate key substrates involved in each phase of cell cycle progression. Specifically, Cdk2 interacts with Cyclins A, B1, B3, D, or E to control cell cycle progression. The Cyclin-dependent kinase 2-interacting protein (CINP) interacts with components of the replication complex and Cdk2 and Cdc7, thereby providing a functional and physical link between Cdk2 and Cdc7 during firing of the origins of replication. However, CINP is phopshorylated by Cdc7, but not by Cdk2. CINP also interacts with ATR-interacting protein and regulates ATR-dependent signaling, resistance to replication stress and G2 checkpoint integrity.
