Geminin Inhibitors

Geminin inhibitors represent a class of chemical compounds that play a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle, specifically in the context of DNA replication and cell division. These inhibitors are designed to target a protein known as Geminin, which serves as a pivotal regulator in preventing re-replication of DNA during the cell cycle. The cell cycle is a highly orchestrated and tightly controlled process, essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. To ensure the accurate duplication of DNA, there are numerous checkpoints and control mechanisms in place. Geminin, a protein encoded by the GMNN gene, serves as one of these checkpoints.

Geminin inhibitors work by interfering with the function of Geminin, primarily by preventing its binding to Cdt1, another protein involved in DNA replication. In the absence of Geminin, Cdt1 is free to bind to proteins called minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins, which are essential for the initiation of DNA replication. By disrupting the Geminin-Cdt1 interaction, Geminin inhibitors indirectly promote the replication of DNA.