This volume provides an integrated account of our current understanding of the functions of
D-type cyclins during development and tumorigenesis with special emphasis on the
kinase-independent functions of these proteins. The volume will provide a thorough review of
the latest discoveries on the new functions and interacting partners of mammalian cyclin Ds
crucial to explain their oncogenic and differentiation properties in different cellular
contexts. The volume begins with a historical perspective of how D-type cyclins were first
discovered and eventually cloned from cancer tissues followed by an account on the canonical
functions of cyclin Ds during the G1-S transition of the cell cycle. Several chapters will be
devoted to review the functions of D-type cyclins as transcriptional regulators and the
mechanisms through which these novel functions could impact the tumorigenic process. Also
discussed is emerging evidence that points to a role of D-type cyclins particularly cyclin D1
as a cytoplasmic regulator of various cellular functions. This property in human cells at
least is traceable to certain splice isoforms with novel oncogenic implications. Finally a
chapter is devoted to recent efforts to revise the canonical view of the retinoblastoma pathway
to incorporate new evidence that suggests that cyclin D1's role in G1 is to
singly-phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) for discrimination of target protein
interactions. This work represents a significant departure from the view of cyclin D1 as a
negative regulator of pRb and may have critical implications for understanding the function of
antineoplastic agents that target the cyclin D1-associated kinases.
